Hometown Hero Award
The Great Allentown Fair’s Hometown Hero Award recognizes a military service member or veteran whose dedication to service extends beyond the uniform and continues to make a meaningful difference in the Lehigh Valley community.
The award was created to honor individuals whose stories reflect service, sacrifice, commitment to others, and a lasting connection to our community. Nominees may be recognized for the impact of their military service, their continued involvement in the community to serve and support others.
Each year, nominations are invited from the community and reviewed to select one Hometown Hero to be recognized during the Great Allentown Fair’s Red, White & THANK YOU! Military Appreciation Day.
In 2025 and 2026, Kitchen Magic partnered with The Great Allentown Fair in presenting Red, White & THANK YOU! Military Appreciation Day and the Hometown Hero Award. In 2026, DeSales University Veteran’s and Military Services served as the Fair’s Community & Military Engagement Partner, helping strengthen the connection between the Fair, the military community, service members, veterans, and their families.
Sergeant Fred G. Gould Jr., a United States Marine Corps veteran, was selected as the Great Allentown Fair’s 2026 Hometown Hero in recognition of a lifetime of service to his country, fellow veterans, and the Lehigh Valley community.
During the presidency of Jimmy Carter, Fred had the extraordinary honor of serving on Presidential Detail. His duties included standing post at the White House and serving in the ceremonial role of saluting President Carter as the President arrived and departed aboard the presidential Marine helicopter.
Following his military service, Fred continued that commitment to others here at home. A 1996 graduate of DeSales University, he serves as Adjutant of Marine Corps League Bethlehem Detachment #284 and is actively involved with the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council’s Veteran Visitation Program, helping ensure veterans living in senior communities throughout the region know they are remembered and appreciated.
Fred’s service has also come full circle at DeSales University. He and his wife, Tammey, generously volunteer with DeSales Veterans and Military Services, assisting with Friday Drop-In Clinics and creating works of art that help raise funds for the DeSales Veterans Scholarship and nonprofit organizations serving veterans and military-connected families throughout the Lehigh Valley.
From his service as a young Marine at the White House to his continued dedication to veterans and military families in his community, Fred has made service a lasting part of his life.
Frederic Albert Reed Jr. served as a 19 Delta Cavalry Scout in the United States Army from 2005 to 2012 with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas. From 2007 to 2009, he deployed to Mosul, Iraq, as part of the Army’s final 15-month combat deployment. His platoon faced heavy daily fighting, with many members killed or wounded in action. The intensity of their battles, particularly at an outpost within the city of Mosul where Frederic was stationed, drew national attention from outlets such as Time Magazine and the Associated Press.
After returning from combat, Frederic was diagnosed with PTSD and medically retired from the Army in 2012. Before transitioning out of service, he explored holistic wellness modalities through the Army’s “resent program,” completed an internship at the local VA hospital in Temple, Texas to better understand the VA system, and attended the Warrior Scholar Project at Yale University, a veteran academic bootcamp designed to support educational pursuits.
Since leaving the Army, Frederic has dedicated his life to serving fellow veterans and the community. He currently serves as Mentor Coordinator and mentor for Northampton County’s Veterans Court, is a member of the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council, and is Vice Commander of the Veterans Brotherhood Lehigh Valley Chapter. In addition, he helps facilitate a trauma group for veterans and first responders every Wednesday in Bethlehem at the STR Building.
Through these roles, Frederic has had a lasting impact on countless veterans, supporting those facing financial insecurity, assisting homeless veterans, and mentoring individuals living with PTSD. His dedication, leadership, and compassion continue to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
