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POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The state's American Legion awarded the Dutchess County division director with the service of the year award.

The legion is recognizing Nelson Rivera with the award. He said it's a true honor and is happy to do the work he does. Rivera said he accepts the award on behalf of the entire Dutchess County American Legion.

"To be recognized by the American Legion, an organization of veterans where we all have so much in common, and to pick me as the one who does great, I don't just accept if for myself, but all the veterans in Dutchess County I work with, and all the families I work with," said Rivera.

"To have Nelson Rivera, our director of vet services honors, speaks volumes about the department, and our desire to be helpful to those returning from service, it speaks about Nelson himself," said Marcus Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive.

Rivera was one of 90 people across the state eligible for the service of the year award.