2022 Citizen of Achievement – John Preston
Pictured: John Preston and Bradley Mayberry, President
We begin with a quote from Fred Rogers….“Look for the helpers. You will always find people are helping”. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mothers words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers…. so many caring people in this world.
This is how I would describe my nomination. He has spent his life helping others. When he sees someone that needs a hand, he is there. Always eager to help anyone in need.
When writing this nomination letter, I reached out to many individuals within the community to listen to their stories. And boy are there many. One gentleman told me that when he was ill, my nomination would drive he and his wife to and from the hospitals and appointments in St. Louis since they were unable. Another individual describes him as a vital asset to the church and school. He is always there to take on any project they may have. Scheduling repairs and seeing them through to the end. In the morning it is common to see him driving up to the school to see what he can help with. Several years ago he had a few free days and wanted to repair the lamppost flag brackets in town. The city was repairing the brackets as they had time available, but he wanted to have the American flags flying evenly on every pole. He set out with his toolbox and ladder, repairing and straightening every flag post.
One of the largest programs he works with is the Randolph County Toys for Tots program. Since 2009 he and his wife have visited every school in Randolph County, every year dropping off applications to each school. They work for months collecting money, raising awareness to the program, picking up toys, hosting raffles, and partnering for donations. He is very proud of this program and works hard for it year round. He walks with his fellow Marines in all the Randolph County Parades, handing out items from the organization. By December he has his own Santa’s Workshop in his home as items start coming in. In 2019 alone they helped almost 800 children in Randolph county receive a toy for Christmas. He takes the phrase “Every child deserves a toy for Christmas” to heart.
Compassion and Patriotism are apparent in him always. He and his fellow VFW Veterans raise the flags on Main and Market and at the entrances to the city during times of remembrance. He Chairs the flag program at the VFW and maintains the posts inventory of medical equipment for veterans and local citizens in need. He is the adjuant for the Randolph County Marine Corps League, the Chaplain of the VFW Post 6632 and a recipient for the Bicentennial Honor 200. He previously was a boy scout leader, is a trustee of St. Johns Lutheran School and Church, and is a part of the SonShine Visitation Ministry.
In 2015 he was named Lion of the year by the Red Bud Lions Club. His accomplishments are many. He does not do it for the recognition, he does is because he genuinely cares for others. He is a Helper. Always loo for the helpers in the world. That’s where you will find our John. Semper Fidelis.
Ladies and Gentleman please join me in a round of applause for our 2022 Red Bud Citizen of the Year John Preston.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
- Life long member (exception while working in Decatur IL for Illinois Power)
- Graduate of St John’s Lutheran School
- Served on many church committees, past elder and most currently serving two consecutive terms as as Trustee
- Can be seen almost daily doing maintenance and repairs at church. If he sees a repair, or is asked to replace signage or an improvement, he “gets in done.”
Graduate of Red Bud HS class of 1964
- Served on each reunion committee
- Developed and maintains class member roster data base
- After high school attended and graduated from Rolla School of Engineering with a BS, Mechanical Engineering Worked 1 year then joined the Marines attaining the rank of Sergeant VFW
- Past Junior Vice President of VFW Post #6632, currently serves as post chaplain
- Assisted the move and renovate current VFW
- Volunteers with team members placing 120 flags on patriotic holidays lining our main streets
- Color guard participant at military funerals and patriotic events
- Repurposed mail box, which serves as a collection point for worn out U.S. Flags. Properly destroys them in accordance with proper procedures
- For the last 10 years had led the Randolph County Toys for Tots
◦ Participates in all local parades with Toys for Tots float spreading the word
◦ Shops for gifts year-round and solicits donations from various stores and organzations
◦ Serves as the collection point for all donations; rents a POD for his driveway to store them
◦ Coordinates and leads to assemble gifts to distribute to an average of 600 yearly for ages infant to 13 years of age - Active member of Randolph County Marine Corps League
◦ Serves as Adjutant and Treasurer Awards - Recipient of 2018 State of Illinois Randolph County Bicentennial 200 Honor Lions Club
- Current member; received Lion of the Year 2014-2015
Red Bud Country Mart
: new furnace install, service/repair, boilers and heat pumps
: mini split installs, service/repair, new install and smart thermostats
: gas lines, water filtration, plumbing install and repair
: smoke/CO detector installs, ceiling fan installs, electrical repair and install
Red Bud Veterinary Service has been selected as the April chamber business of the month. What a perfect time to select them as it’s pet first aid awareness month! In 2019 Dr. Ryan Jacob and Dr. Shannon Melliere purchased the clinic from Dr. Church who was the long time owner of the practice. Dr. Shannon currently operates as a silent partner as she also owns and operates an office in Waterloo. With Dr. Ryan being the main doctor at the practice they recently hired Dr. Fuller to help treat furry patients.