SALAMANCA, N.Y. — The annual “Anderson/ASPHS Disabled Veterans Recognition Award” is currently open for nominations.

Sponsored by the Allegany State Park Historical Society and the Anderson family, the award is open to all United States disabled veterans and includes a weeklong stay with their immediate family at Allegany State Park.

In it’s fifth year, the award is named in memory of the late Dade Anderson, a park ranger at Allegany for 36 years. Don Block, vice president of ASPHS, said the award is to honor a disabled American veteran, male or female, from any branch of service.

“The award is to give a disabled American veteran the recognition they deserve and to have quality family-time to make memories and help them transition back into society,” he said. “We want them to get their family together and have fun in a stress-free, beautiful place.”

Through the award, a chosen veteran and their immediate family will be able to enjoy one week’s worth of camping at the park in a week of their preference during the summer camping season.

“We ask the recipient to come to Sally Marsh’s Hootenanny on Thursday night, so we can present them with the Anderson award and recognize them for their service to our country,” Block said.

In addition to a week’s stay, the award winner will receive a $200 gift card for groceries and souvenirs; delivery of half a cord of firewood; and one meal for the family at The Park Restaurant in the Red House Administration building.

The Allegany State Park Historical Society reserves the right to deny applicants for reasons they deem necessary. This cabin and the adjacent facilities might not accommodate all forms of disabilities. The prize and cabin credit is non-transferrable. It must be used by the recipient only or becomes void.

If anyone knows of a disabled American veteran who deserves this award and have special time with their family, please nominate them. For more information and a nomination application, call Block at (716) 939-4588 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. by July 15.