Jim Pipitone, a lifelong Dearborn resident and U.S. Army veteran, will be honored as the city’s 2026/2027 Veteran of the Year at a ceremony on Veterans Day.
The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council (DAWVC) will present the award Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., according to a city announcement. Previous recipients of the award selected Pipitone for the honor.
The annual award recognizes volunteer service benefiting Dearborn and veterans, according to the city’s nomination notice.
Pipitone graduated from Fordson High School in 1969 and joined the Army in September 1970. His assignment took him to a NATO base in Vicenza, Italy, where he worked as a Hercules missile launcher crewman. His military honors include the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in April 1972 with the rank of specialist four, a pay grade of E-4, according to the city.
His community service since leaving the Army has included arranging rides to medical care for veterans, organizing drives for Stockings for Soldiers and Toys for Tots, and coordinating Wounded Warriors fundraisers, the city said.
He still holds active leadership roles. He serves as sergeant-at-arms for American Legion Post 364 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 267. He also serves as treasurer for the Legion Riders. In 2023, he received an honorary life membership from the American Legion.
Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said Pipitone’s work has shaped the local veterans community. “Jim’s longtime commitment to service and advocacy for veterans has made a difference in our community,” Hammoud stated in the announcement.
Pipitone follows U.S. Air Force veteran Janet Montoya, who was recognized as the 2025 Veteran of the Year.
