Hank Thornton Selected Person of the Year

Hank Thornton is a busy man and he always has one thing on his mind. Helping his fellow citizens.

Thornton was named by the Chamber of Commerce as this year’s Person of the Year. Thornton will be honored alongside other members of the community later this month at the Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Fling.

Thornton’s efforts in the community have not gone unnoticed. In the last three years, he along with other veterans in the community have spearheaded efforts to help veterans in need.

His efforts led to the creation of the Veteran’s Outreach Center which also received the honor of Organization of the Year by the Chamber. Thornton also works with other organizations in the area that aim to help others including SPAN, St. Joe Search and Rescue and the American Legion.

Thornton said he was humbled to see how much the community supports their efforts, “It was totally unexpected and I hadn’t thought about it and I was very humbled,” Thornton said. “I’m honored beyond anything I could even say. The people of this community have supported me since day one.”

He said this community is unique in its consistent care and commitment of supporting those who are in need. Thornton said people jump at the chance to help one another in St. Maries and said there is no other place like it.

“It’s amazing that this community will stand up for veterans and stand up to support me as an individual,” he said. “I’m honored they care enough to do that.”

Thornton has been a member of the St. Maries community for more than seven years no. He said he believes he was led here by God after a battle with cancer more than 18 years ago.

“I thought God saved me for a reason and now I know why. I didn’t come here by accident, I was led here,” he said. “I firmly believe God sent us here to do what we are doing and I’m humbled that I can do that.”

Thornton said he plans to continue to advocate for local veterans in the area by growing the Veteran’s Outreach Center. The group is eyeing a permanent location that will be announced in the coming weeks.

Those who want to find out more about the Outreach Center can call Thornton at 208-582-4330