A cold, windy and overcast Friday morning — unusually chilly for the first day of May — did not dampen the significance of a milestone event in Fishers.
City leaders and members of the local veterans community gathered for the first official ceremony at the new outdoor veterans monument near the Community Center, recognizing three individuals whose service to both country and community embodies the spirit of the city’s newly established Fishers Country and Community Service Award.
Mayor Scott Fadness presided over the ceremony, which highlighted the purpose of the award: to honor individuals with ties to Fishers who have gone above and beyond in military service and in contributions to the local community. The monument itself is designed to permanently memorialize recipients and serve as a place for reflection on their service.
Two of the honorees were recognized posthumously.
Sergeant Wayne Caldwell served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 with the 43rd Bomb Group, 403rd Bomb Squadron, operating in the Philippines and Western Pacific. Specializing in radar and navigation on A-20 Havoc bombers, Caldwell earned the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service, he became a pastor and educator, serving as an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University for 24 years. In Fishers, Caldwell became a familiar figure at Memorial Day ceremonies, often reciting “In Flanders Field” from memory well into his 90s. He was the first recipient of the Country and Community Service Award in 2023.
Also honored was Sergeant Noah Shahnavaz, a 2016 graduate of Fishers High School who served in the U.S. Army’s 93rd Military Police Battalion, including a deployment to the Middle East. After his military service, Shahnavaz became a police officer with the Elwood Police Department. He was killed in the line of duty on July 31, 2022. During his Army service, he earned the Air Assault Badge.
The ceremony also included a surprise for George Stavropoulos, who attended expecting to see others recognized. Instead, he was named the newest recipient of the Country and Community Service Award.
Hospitalman 2nd Class Stavropoulos served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. While attached to a Marine unit in 1967, he repeatedly risked his life to provide medical aid to wounded Marines under heavy enemy fire, continuing his efforts even after being wounded multiple times. For his actions, he was awarded the Silver Star and four Purple Hearts. He later became a founding member of the Fishers Armed Services Commission and remains active in promoting veterans initiatives in the city.
Despite the brisk conditions, the ceremony underscored Fishers’ ongoing commitment to honoring those who have served — now anchored by a monument dedicated to preserving their legacy for future generations.
