A Vietnam War veteran from Fairhaven has been named the Southeastern Massachusetts Veteran of the Year.

Gerry Payette received the award Friday night at the Century House in Acushnet. Payette has coordinated the Letter Carrier Food Drive in Fairhaven for 20 years, and is the primary fundraiser for Sheperd's Pantry. He's also been active in veterans affairs, helping to organize the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades in Fairhaven.

Payette was selected for the honor by the Board of Directors of the Veterans Transition House.

Payette was also instrumental in bringing the Vietnam Moving Wall to Fairhaven in 2012.

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