Press release from Sen. Mike Crapo: Crapo Honors 23 Idaho Veterans and Volunteers with Spirit of Freedom Award
Honorees include David E. McFerrin of Filer and Jim O’Donnell and Kathy Peterson of Twin Falls.
Press release from Sen. Mike Crapo, in his office's own words; not the paper's reporting.
Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) announced 23 Idahoans will be recognized with the 2026 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award. Each year, veterans organizations and community members across the state nominate Idaho veterans and volunteers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to serving our nation and supporting its veterans and military families.
“Recognizing the remarkable service of Idahoans through the Spirit of Freedom Award has given me an opportunity to spotlight some of the great compassion and heroism demonstrated across our state,” said Crapo. “These honorees have gone above and beyond in service to our nation and in support of our veterans, and their continued commitment to serving others reflects the very best of Idaho.”
Since Crapo created the award in 2002, 447 Spirit of Freedom Awards have been presented. Each recipient will receive a certificate for their service as well as a United States flag that has been flown over the U.S. Capitol building. Nominations for the 2027 Spirit of Freedom Service Award can be submitted by contacting Courtney Lehosit in Crapo’s Boise office.
The following biographies highlight each recipient’s significant contributions to our country and its veterans:
David E. McFerrin, Filer: American Legion Post 47 of Filer nominated David McFerrin, who retired from the U.S. Army after 40 years of service. He earned the rank of command sergeant major and numerous medals and awards that include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal. David’s service included deployment to Iraq as the 40th Division Combat Aviation Brigades’ Command Sergeant Major. During his military career, he was employed as a federal technician, helicopter/aircraft technician and flight operations technician. David and his wife of more than 48 years, Beverly, have two sons, both of whom also served in the U.S. Army, and five grandchildren. David has served in various positions within churches and veterans groups, including the American Legion, VFW, Twin Falls Veterans Council and Magic Valley Honor Guard. His leadership roles have included service as commander of both American Legion Post 47 and VFW Post 2136 of Twin Falls.
James (Jim) P. O’Donnell Jr., Twin Falls: The Twin Falls Veterans Council nominated Jim O’Donnell, who began his military service as a Reserve Commissioned Officer of the U.S. Army in 1970 in the Idaho State University Reserve Officers' Training Corps program. Jim graduated flight training and then deployed to Vietnam. He earned an Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight, a Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal and other awards for his service. Jim has drawn from his experiences living in various parts of the world and country and his love of history to dedicate much of his adult life to working as a history teacher. He has been an ordained pastor for 50 years and has served as a law enforcement chaplain. Jim also has a deep knowledge and passion for aeronautics and has served as the Director of the Magic Valley Air Show for multiple years, bringing the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Twin Falls. He also coordinates the Magic Valley’s annual Police Officers Memorial each May, celebrating fallen officers and all law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep the Magic Valley safe and providing solace to their families. Jim is a pillar of the community, and as Rondal Lang noted, “Jim O’Donnell’s extensive background in education, leadership, and narrative sharing has helped him create memorable experiences for countless people.”
Kathy Peterson, Twin Falls: American Legion Post 7 of Twin Falls nominated Kathy Peterson, who served our country in the Vietnam War and is actively involved in many veterans associations. They include the American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Veterans. When nominating Kathy, Brian English, Commander of American Legion Post 7 wrote, “She also volunteers to watch over the giant flag in the canyon as needed, she drives a golf cart around to help seniors get to the fair, the 250 Celebration at the Visitors Center, and the 9/11 program that was held there. She is also one of the driving forces to get our van back to the VA so we can transport veterans as needed in our area.”
Cut for length: the biographies of the 20 honorees from outside the Magic Valley are in the original release.