The YMCA of Greater Montgomery has given a Troy University trustee its highest honor.

Brig. Gen. Edward F. Crowell (USAF, ret.), a member of the TROY Board of Trustees, became YMCA Man of the Year at the group’s annual banquet last week.

Crowell served for more than three decades in the Air Force and the Reserves, serving as commandant of the Air War College and vice commander of Air University, among other honors during a distinguished military career.

In addition to his service on the TROY Board of Trustees, Crowell has worked with the YMCA for years helping and mentoring young people. He said the award represented a visual reminder that his efforts are paying dividends in the youth he wants to inspire.

“It says to me that I’m realizing my dream, and that is to make a difference,” Crowell said. “These young people are going about their business, doing good deeds for themselves and their respective communities. I have a commitment to work with our youth to make them better individuals, help them grow and develop and inspire.”

The YMCA has always held a special place in Crowell’s heart due to his faith.

“All the letters (in YMCA) have great significance, but the biggest is the ‘C,’ and that’s Christian,” he said. “When you can incorporate Christianity into our youth, it makes them whole, gives them a good start, and they can go from there.”

With the holiday season in full swing, Crowell stressed the importance of volunteering to help those in need.

“The need is always there,” he said. “Avail yourself to anyone who’s in need and, particularly with regards to our youth, let them know you care. That’s the number one thing. They’ll ask you, ‘Why do you care about me?’ That’s a tough question, but you’ve got to be prepared to answer, and the best way is by showing rather than talking.”

For more about Crowell’s achievement, visit the Montgomery Advertiser.