Andrew J. Leibenguth, 33, an Iraqi war veteran who returned to channel his hometown loyalty into a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week commitment, will become the youngest recipient of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Joseph M. Plasko Citizenship award.

The announcement was made this morning after a group representing civic, business and spiritual factions of the community selected Leibenguth for the coveted distinction. Leibenguth won out over a full slate of highly qualified nominees."I'm honored to learn this," said a surprised Leibenguth. "I know of so many dedicated and life-long Tamaqua community volunteers who go unseen, and so I would accept this award in honor of those unrecognized individuals."Leibenguth, a Tamaqua-based correspondent for the TIMES NEWS, serves as an active volunteer and member of the following groups: American Legion, C.H. Berry Post 173; Kellner's Dam Association; Tamaqua Lions Club; Tamaqua Rotary Club; Marines Helping Marines and the Wounded Marines Campaign of Eastern Schuylkill and Carbon counties; Toys for Tots; Patriot Guard Riders; Schuylkill and Eastern Northumberland Chapter of the American Red Cross where he serves with local and national disaster action teams; licensed HAM amateur radio operator; Tamaqua Salvation Army; Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626; Tamaqua Crime Watch; General George S. Patton Jr., VFW Post 5069, Andreas; Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce; Tamaqua Historical Society; American Hose and Coaldale fire companies; Tamaqua Wireless Association; Tamaqua YMCA, Tamaqua Fire Police and founder of Tamaqua Volunteers.In addition, Leibenguth is the creator, administrator and webmaster of

www.TamaquaArea.com, a community website that serves as a local news source and calendar of Tamaqua events, photos, videos, community information, links, businesses, organizations and fundraisers. His website slogan is "Bringing good people together."The site also offers more than 200,000 Tamaqua area photos, all of which are free to download. In addition, he created and maintains 11 websites for Tamaqua area organizations.He also places civic-oriented sandwich boards around town and has used that technique to promote more than 300 events, with all work and supplies furnished at his own expense."The reason volunteers aren't paid isn't because they're useless," says Leibenguth, "but rather because they're extremely priceless."Leibenguth is a lifelong Tamaqua resident, the son of John and Bernardita Leibenguth. He credits his parents and grandparents for instilling a strong sense of community for him and brothers David, Michael and James, and sister Eushina."We were brought up with strong Christian values, such as understanding right from wrong and simply being kind and respectful to others. If we misbehaved, we definitely knew it," he says, mentioning the importance of discipline. "They also made sure we were involved in some form of community activity, such as sports, Scouts, church, charities or employment, as well as spending valuable time with family members.He served eight years in the Marine Corps and a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in 2004."Since then, I've found that dedicating myself full-time to charities to be very therapeutic, time-consuming and rewarding, as it keeps my mind on positive things."Leibenguth, who received several nominations from the public, will be the first winner of the award under its new name, the Joseph M. Plasko Memorial Citizenship Award.The honor will be presented at the 61st Annual Chamber/TIDE Dinner to be held on Wednesday, April 27 at the Tamaqua Community Center.Leibenguth says it'll be a difficult evening because he prefers to avoid the spotlight and is not comfortable with being the center of attention. He'd rather be outdoors, rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty to help keep his town shining."I also try to live by the Marine Corps' core values of honor, courage, commitment. People always ask me why I do what I do. I tell them it really feels great to help people that need and appreciate it. Especially in Tamaqua, the greatest community in the world."