Columbiana 40&8 names Voyageur of the Year
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COLUMBIANA -- Voiture 273 has recognized Wade "Buz" Payne as its Voyageur of the Year for 2026.
Payne has been a member of the 40&8 for 41 years. He is an Air Force veteran that served in Guam with the B52 Operation Arc Lite during Vietnam with four years on active duty before spending the next 22 years with the 9/10 Air Wing in Vienna as a reservist. While on active-duty he spent part of his time in Korea as well.
When asked about his time with the Voiture, Payne said, "I like being a member of the 40&8 and appreciate the camaraderie of the veterans. I like taking care of it (the chalet) and being proud of it."
Taking care of the chalet is why Payne was nominated for the recognition, said Crystal Siembida Boggs. "We rely on Buz as he cuts the grass and cleans the facility for our rentals without any hesitation."
Nominations at the local level are sent to National Level where National picks someone as their annual recipient of recognition. According to Nick Weyers, Director of Special Awards, "The Special Awards Program is about more than presenting plaques of certificates, it is about telling our story. By recognizing excellence, we celebrate the values of Americanism, community service, and dedication that define the 40&8."
Payne was presented a certificate of recognition during the September meeting followed by a small social. Tom Cresanto, current Chef De Gare (president) of Voiture 273 presented the certificate of recognition.