SAVOY, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Commanders of the American Legion gathered in Savoy to present the National Legacy Award to J Richard Stillwell of Champaign for his decades of service to the organization.

Stillwell was honored for his longtime involvement with the American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion. He began his service in 1955 and was an original member as well as the first national leader of the Sons of the American Legion, according to organizers.

Stillwell also reflected on his time serving in the U.S. Army after enlisting.

“I had a secret clearance, because I had to have it, so I became, even as a no-stripe private, I became a security NCO for the depot,” Stillwell said.

At 91 years old, Stillwell humbly accepted the award during the ceremony.