10/20/2026
Jerry Ludwig was recognized in the Veteran Volunteer category at the 2026 Step Forward Awards, held October 9 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
For decades, Jerry has supported local veterans, encouraged our youth, and helped make community projects happen. Even after moving to Omaha, his commitment to Lyons has remained strong—and our community is better because of it.
Congratulations, Jerry! Thank you for your service to our country and for all you continue to do for Lyons and our veterans.
Veteran Volunteer
An individual who served honorably on active duty in the armed forces of the United States and has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service during and after active duty.
Jerry Ludwig — Lyons, NE
Jerry has been Commander of VFW Post 7998 in Lyons continuously since 1983. Jerry has also been Commander of American Legion Post 83 over 30 years. In this capacity, Jerry passionately advances activities in Lyons, a town of 900 people, and surrounding towns in Burt County.
For many years, Jerry has kept youth programs alive by going to the school to talk to teachers and students to promote Patriot’s Pen, Voice of Democracy, and college scholarships. He also promotes County Government Day, Boys State, Girls State and Junior Law Cadet. Every year Jerry arranges and has been the Master of Ceremony for the Lyons Memorial Day program. He participates in the Veterans Day program too.
With the help of Post members, every year Jerry organizes several fundraisers to support local VFW and American Legion programs and community events. Annual fund raisers include community dinners and bingo at the County Fair. With his Post, Jerry raised funds so the school, the park, and the cemetery could have new flag poles. His Post donates money to the Volunteer Fire Department for needed equipment and to the Burt County Fair Board fundraiser. Most recently Jerry and his Post assisted with a community project to display veteran banners on city light poles.
Jerry helps with the Easter Egg hunt in Lyons and serves cookies for Shop with Santa. He calls bingo at events including post prom, the Tekamah Rodeo, the Lyons 4th of July celebration, and the Nebraska Bike-A-Thon as the riders passed through Oakland. Over the years Jerry organized and chaired several major projects, including an extensive campaign to build a beautiful Veterans Memorial in Lyons and community wide celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the American Legion and the 75th anniversary of the VFW.
Everyone in the community knows Jerry is the “go to” guy if a veteran needs help. Jerry helps veterans understand the benefits available to them and guides them to the services they need. Over 25 years ago Jerry moved to Omaha, 60 miles from Lyons. Jerry has never considered transferring his Post memberships to Omaha. The 120-mile round trip to Lyons has never dampened his dedication, his commitment, or his desire to be a part the community of Lyons. Jerry also does volunteer work in Omaha. Through CHI Health, Jerry visits patients on hospice care. Through Catholic Charities, Jerry volunteers at a Senior Center in North Omaha. He also is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Commander Ludwig is a true patriot whose selfless contributions add substantially to the quality of rural life in Lyons and beyond.
