Frazer named Military Hero of the Year for Fourth parade

COEUR d'ALENE — Scot Frazer has been named the 2023 Military Hero of the Year for the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber's Fourth of July American Heroes Parade.

"Scot Frazer truly exemplifies the partnership we need in our community to help make it a better place to live and work," said Octavian Rivas, community development officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, parade presenting sponsor. "His service to our country and community is what we believe makes him a perfect candidate for this year's Military Hero of The Year award."

Frazer, of Spokane Valley, was selected to be honored for "his exceptional service, selflessness and unwavering dedication to our nation."

He joined the Army in 1999, beginning as a private at Fort Benning, Ga., and ended his service as a combat engineer platoon sergeant with the 455th Engineer Company based in Hayden in 2011.

He earned the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge for his role in training and serving alongside Afghan National Army soldiers for 15 months.

Frazer continues to serve veterans as a mentor for the Spokane Veterans Forum. He also is a volunteer with several organizations, including the Washington Fallen Heroes Banner Project and Illuminating Courage Memorial, Kleckner’s Golf Classic/Northwest Golfers for Warriors and 1208 Foundation.

Linda Coppess, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber president and CEO, said Frazer "is a shining example of a selfless human being. His service and sacrifice are exemplary, and I can’t think of a better recipient for this prestigious award.”

The chamber also said Wednesday that longtime area residents Kerri Thoreson and Scott Hough, joined by Amy Bartoo, will announce the parade that begins at 10 a.m. Indepedence Day at 15th and Sherman Avenue and then head downtown.

“To me, no matter how the town has grown or changed the Fourth of July parade is a constant, a slice of Americana that for a couple of hours on Coeur d’Alene’s 'Main Street' all of the things that our community and country once was, and still is, are right there displayed in red, white and blue,” Thoreson said.

The threesome will be located in front of the new Rotary Centennial Park on Sherman. Kayla Ohse will sing the national anthem to kick off the parade.

Info: www.cdachamber.com or 208-415-0104.