The 40th Annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, hosted by the Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America, will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, GA. Mr. John F. Flournoy, founder of the Flournoy Companies, will be this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Citizen Award.

The Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner is held annually to recognize noteworthy and extraordinary community individuals for their impact on the lives of others within the Chattahoochee Valley. These individuals personify the Scout Oath and Law in their everyday personal and professional lives. They inspire youth to lead, accept responsibility and care for principals and causes beyond self-interest. Funds raised from the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner will support on-going Scouting programs that provide experiences to enhance the lives of young people throughout the Chattahoochee Valley.

Mr. John F. Flournoy, a Columbus native, former U.S. Marine Corp fighter pilot during the Vietnam War and very successful real-estate developer of more than 50 years, will be honored for his contributions to community growth and improvement, and his civic dedication. A visionary leader, Mr. Flournoy is famously known for his “Gateways Project” and the Ft. Benning, GA gateway and entrance located on I-185. He has served as chairman of the Columbus Gateway Committee and Foundation since 1991.

Identified as a major force in the Columbus civic community, Mr. Flournoy incorporated his passion for polo by organizing the Upatoi Polo Cup in 1980, which has raised over $2 million for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club over the last 40 years. He has served as president of United Way, as well as president and board member of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club for over 50 years. He is a former board member of the W.C Bradley Company and Columbus Bank and Trust Company for over 30 years. Other accolades include Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (2015), a Resolution received by the State Transportation Board Recognizing Work with the Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Jim Woodruff, Jr. Memorial Award, just to name a few.

Mr. Flournoy maintains an active role in the Flournoy Companies and continues to be involved in various non-profit organizations.

“In both his professional and personal life, Mr. Flournoy has exemplified the Scouting Values and has served as a positive role model for our youth”, says Juan F. Osorio, Chattahoochee Council’s Scout Executive/CEO. “It has become tradition that each year we honor a local leader for their contribution to our community, we are grateful to present John with the Distinguished Citizen Award for his tireless service to our community”, added Osorio.

Tickets for the Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner are $75 per person and $600 for a table of eight. For information on how to become an event sponsor or to purchase tickets, contact the Chattahoochee Council at (706) 327-2634 or email Juan F. Osorio at [email protected]