01/10/2026
Leland’s 2025 Citizen of the Year: John Hacker 🇺🇸👏
During the Dec. 18 Town Council Meeting, Mayor Brenda Bozeman announced John Hacker as Leland’s 2025 Citizen of the Year - recognizing a lifetime of service and advocacy for veterans.
Hacker is an active member of American Legion Post 68 in Leland and has dedicated his life to supporting those who served. He served in the U.S. Army (1966–1968,) including a deployment to Vietnam as an Infantry Squad Leader with the Americal Division’s 198th Light Infantry Brigade.
After his military service, he continued leading and serving through the VFW and American Legion in California - including roles as Post Commander and a state-level chair for su***de prevention initiatives.
Since moving to Leland five years ago, Hacker has helped elevate Post 68 as a community leader in veteran su***de awareness, making a lasting impact on veterans and their families across Brunswick County and North Carolina.
Thank you, John, for your service, leadership, and meaningful contributions to our community. 💙
📸: Town of Leland