For his service to the greater community Scott Duke has been named a Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the Veteran category.
The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live, work or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their achievements and distinguished contributions to the community and beyond.
Duke will be honored at an awards luncheon next year. The fourth annual Hometown Heroes luncheon will honor those nominated in 2024.
Get to know Duke more here .
What I like most about living/working in Peoria: The people, the people, the people! Peoria residents, especially those who reside in Trilogy at Vistancia are so kind and incredibly proud of those that served in the military.
Personal background highlights: Bachelor Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, two Associate Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force (Air Traffic Control and Instructional Technology)
Professional background highlights: Military decorations include the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal four times, the Air Force Commendation Medal four times, Air Force Achievement Medal four times, and the Air Force Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award, Air Traffic Control Association Citation of Merit, Trilogy Veterans Club President’s Award of Merit, and inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, class of 2023.
What does it mean to be a Peoria resident/worker? I am retired and we could have lived anywhere in the world, but we chose Peoria. I am so proud to be part of this community where crime is low, folks are so friendly, and the quality of life is second to none.
What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better? Because I am a military veteran, I have the opportunity to help fellow veterans in need, while leading a club of military veterans.
What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference? One person CAN make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. What you might think is a small gesture of support becomes a significant difference in their lives.
Changes I’d like to see in this area: On a professional note, I think we need to strive to secure transitional housing for our homeless military veterans. On a personal note, I am a big pickleball player and would love to see more courts at Paloma Community Park as well as a batting cage.
My family (what have they taught you): My family has served over 100 years defending our country and wearing the uniform of the Army (Dad), older brother (Navy), myself (Air Force), my younger brother (Coast Guard), and my wife Nancy (Air Force). My Dad taught us at a very young age that there was no higher honor than to wear the uniform of your country in defense of her freedoms and liberties. My dad and all three of his sons served 20+ years and are now military retirees.
My interests and hobbies: Softball, Pickleball, Hiking, and enjoy taking cruises around the world.
The trait(s) I admire in others: Honesty, leadership, organizational skills, and ability to communicate. You find all those things when you see the people who inspired me.
People who inspired me (and how): Joan Sisco (CEO of Veterans First Limited) has taught me about sacrifice, commitment, and dedication. Brad Shafer (Mesquite District Councilmember) and fellow Air Force veteran inspires me with his tenacity and giving service before self. My former boss and mentor in Washington D.C., Randy Headrick. He had compassion, worked hard, and had the ability to bring others together to solve problems. Finally, my wife Nancy. She has the ability to see things I don’t and is always there for me. She really is my best friend.
My guiding philosophy: Don’t procrastinate. As Ross Perot once noted, “You see a snake. You kill the snake. You don’t form a committee on snakes.”
My advice to today’s youth: Be mindful of those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms and liberties. Honor the American flag and what it stands for.
Name a couple future goals: Continue to grow and expand the Trilogy at Vistancia Veterans Club as we remain ready, reliable, and relevant to veterans in need and our local community. Commit more time working with other veteran groups in combining our resources in supporting those military veterans who are in need.
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