Whether it’s in a marriage, a job or another major commitment, dedicating 50 years to a single thing is never easy — and is rarely rewarded in a tangible way.

For Dowagiac’s David Steele, his half-century of service to the American Legion Post 563 was recognized not just by his peers back home, but by the highest levels of the national veteran organization.

The 85-year-old veteran was given a certificate, created and mailed to the post by the American Legion national offices, recognizing his 50 years of continuous membership to the organization during this month’s meeting at the local legion headquarters, on June 4. Steele was presented with the award by Post Commander Lawrence I. Starrett, who said it was the first time he could recall a member of the Dowagiac post receiving such an accommodation.

“He [Steele] has donated a lot of money and done a lot for the legion over the years,” Starrett said.

Born in Dowagiac but raised in Cassopolis, Steele served in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953, fighting overseas during the Korean War. Returning to the city following the war, the veteran spent 30 years driving steel delivery trucks for a number of different companies before retiring in 1992.

A member of the local legion post since 1965, Steele has had a regular presence at the post over the years, attending every monthly meeting, Starrett said. His frequent monetary donations have helped out the local post in recent years, the commander added.

“Just out of the blue, he’ll put a $50 bill in the donation can,” Starrett said. “He’s done that four or five times this year already.”

Without a bar or kitchen like many other American Legion posts to generate funds, donations from members like Steele go a long way in keeping the 45-member organization going, Starrett said. The post also hosts yard sales to generate funds, and also rents out their headquarters, located on Orchard Street, for parties and celebrations.

For information about renting the facility or about joining, people can call the post at (269) 782-3003.

“We would like to get more veterans involved,” Starrett said.