Andy Leibenguth is proud to say he loves his town of Tamaqua.

On Wednesday, his town returned the sentiment.Ninety community and business leaders, and local residents, gathered for the 61st Annual Tamaqua Area Community Dinner, held at the Tamaqua Community Center, and honored a man they described with many different terms of endearment.Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce President Todd Miller described 6-foot, 4-inch Leibenguth as the town's "little elf," who can be found placing sandwich boards around the community, at his own expense, in support of events such as a benefit fish fry."Nobody knows who does it. It's just part of who he is," said Miller. "He takes it upon himself to promote our community and I'm proud to call him my friend."Miller presented Leibenguth with the Joseph M. Plasko Memorial Citizenship Award and a chamber certificate of appreciation for service to the citizens of Tamaqua area, the highlight of the evening, sponsored by the chamber and Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises (TIDE).But it was a night of multiple awards for the USMC veteran of the Iraqi war.Sen. David Argall, R-29, presented Leibenguth with a Senate citation and called him "an extraordinary young man" who returned to Tamaqua after military service and who didn't owe his community anything additional, yet proceeded to devote himself to worthwhile causes.State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, presented a House citation to Leibenguth and expressed amazement at the 33-year-old's endless vitality."I get tired just watching him," joked Knowles.Pat Clemens, Tamaqua, contacted state and national presidents of the American Legion and arranged for Leibenguth to receive the 'You Make the Difference' award, which she presented.The parade of awards and accolades seemed to catch Leibenguth off-guard.Humbled, Leibenguth stood before the gathering with written notes in hand and offered heartfelt gratitude to many, including his parents and siblings, his late mentor Joe Plasko, those who honored him and those who volunteer and go unrecognized."For every single one of you I can point to things each of you has done," he said, pointing to the crowd.In a most candid manner, Leibenguth spoke of many struggles in his life, including personal issues with which he's dealt."I was a shy kid growing up and didn't have too many friends."He said he tried sports but "I was terrible at everything I played."He also spoke of effects of a military-related stress syndrome and how his community involvement provides a form of therapy to deal with those emotions.He also referred to the value he's gained in his increasing role with the TIMES NEWS, which he called "a very good organization."To deflect attention from himself, Leibenguth introduced a surprise guest, Robert Rehrig, Tamaqua, the victim of a recent hit-and-run who remains committed to helping others despite the severity of his own injuries.Leibenguth held out Rehrig as an example of a true community hero.Invocation and benediction were offered by Major Sharon Whispell of the Tamaqua Salvation Army, who paid tribute to the late Joe Plasko by leading attendees in a prayer of thanks "for the impact he had on this community."Guests at the dinner included his sister, Tricia Plasko Rocchino, Plymouth Meeting, and godparents Adam and Joan Kast, Tamaqua, Plasko's uncle and aunt.The event was catered by M&I Deli, with floral arrangements by Petals and Greens, both of Tamaqua.