Michael Cappel, University of Louisiana at Monroe associate professor of social work, was recognized as “Compatriot of the Year” at the annual Sons of Confederate Veterans conference in Shreveport, Saturday, May 5.

This award is primarily a result of Cappel’s ongoing involvement with the Vietnam Veterans organization, The Run For The Wall, for which he serves as the Louisiana route coordinator. His duties include providing food and lodging to approximately 500 veterans as they stay overnight in Monroe on their journey to Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day activities. He also organizes and conducts a Memorial Day service at City Hall the following morning, which is open to the public.

Cappel also received a medal for distinguished service at the annual SCV National Conference last August for his work on behalf of POW and MIA issues for all veterans of all wars.