SOLON — Originating in 2006, the Solon Senior of the Year award is designated for a senior member of the community who has made a profound impact on Solon and its residents. There is no one who fits this description better than Larry Swann, this year’s recipient. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Swann has lived in Solon for over 50 years and was brought to the small town by his wife, Delores (Vislisel) Swann. The pair were married on June 7, 1958. The couple spent over five decades together, and had seven children, Mark, Steve, Mike, Terri, Kathi, Sandi, and Debbi, and as Swann says, “a whole bunch of grandchildren.” Before his time in Solon, Swann served in the Navy from 1952 to 1954. Swann says that he wanted to be an electrician with the Navy but ended up working in communications instead.
“First thing I had to do was learn Morse code by heart,” Swann said.
Following a two week leave, Swann was then assigned to work in radio operations, where he spent the rest of his deployment while stationed in Virginia. Swann said that the most important thing he learned from his career in the Navy was how to persevere through tough times.
“You gotta keep putting one foot in front of the other,” he said.
After serving with the Navy, Swann headed back to Iowa. He began working as an electrician and was also a founding member of what is now the ESCO Group with his business partner Wayne Engle. Throughout his time in Solon, Swann has also been deeply involved with St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and rather famously, the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post 460.
“I tried for a month to get into the legion,” Swann said. “Then I met Jack Beranek in ‘54 and he said I’ll get you into a meeting and get you signed up.”
Besides being an avid legion member, Swann has also spent six years as a board member for the American Legion of Iowa Foundation. The charitable entity helps provide financial support for many different programs across the state of Iowa. Last August, Swann and fellow board members presented the Solon Fire Department with a check for $1,000. Another popular event Swann is involved with is the annual American Legion of Iowa Foundation’s golf outing at Saddleback Ridge Golf Course. The event, the Solon Charity Golf Tournament, took place last month. The foundation is also a large supporter of Camp Courageous, a recreational program for individuals of all ages with disabilities.
“It’s been a good thing,” Swann said of his role with the foundation. “We’ve put the money where it’s needed the most.”
Furthermore, Swann is also a former commander of the Solon American Legion and was also a past district commander, so he has spent plenty of time working closely with the Solon community and beyond.
Despite his lifelong service to his country and community, Swann said that he never expected to be awarded Solon Senior of the Year, so he was surprised when it happened. “One thing about this community, it’s a little on the tight side,” he said. “The people look after each other, that’s what’s good about this community. And now an outsider is an insider.” And as far as what the city of Solon and surrounding community means to Swann, it’s pretty simple. “Everybody works together and gets it done,” he said. “And that’s what happens in this community.”
Swann will be celebrated for his work at the upcoming Solon Beef Days, where he will ride in a convertible during the Saturday, July 19 parade. Swann said that he is looking forward to his family coming from out of state for the event, and that the whole family loves Solon Beef Days.
“Yeah, the whole family, the family that’s around and everybody’s coming home to see it,” he said.