Most heroes prefer to be behind the scenes, not wanting recognition for all they do. Clearwater Veteran Cyle Paumen is one of those people.

An important part of the non-profit organization Three of a Kind’s annual bike run and fundraiser in July is to honor local veterans with Quilts of Valor. Wanting to award one to Paumen last year, the organization contacted his wife, Jennifer, who told them ‘he will never accept it.’ 

This year, Jennifer wasn’t asked. She was instead told it was happening so she needed to make sure he was there.

Paumen is an active member of the Clearwater American Legion Post 323, so it wasn’t hard to get him to the event. As the Legion’s mission is to improve the lives of veterans, Paumen was already headed there to present a check to Eagle’s Healing Nest with money raised by the Legion Riders. 

Originally intending to enlist in the Marines, a recruiter convinced Paumen to join the Army National Guard instead. A 1994 graduate of Annandale High School, he was just 17 years old. 

After attending basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MI, in 1988 he was deployed to Germany to train with Army Rangers at the Combat Maneuver Training Center. He was honorably discharged from service as a corporal in 2001.

A member of the Clearwater Legion for the past eight years, Paumen’s leadership skills quickly earned him the role of second Vice Commander, and he currently serves as the director of the Clearwater Legion Riders. 

His passion and dedication to supporting veterans and veteran organizations is evident in his efforts to fundraise and organize events. He works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of Legion Riders’ events and is particularly recognized for his role in their annual Homeless Vets Run, where he has the honor of distributing checks to veterans’ organizations with the money they raise each year.

Paumen arrived at the Three of a Kind event without suspicion so he was surprised when he saw both his daughters there. 

“I can’t thank the Three of a Kind family enough for this recognition,” said Paumen, accepting the quilt. “It goes without saying I was nothing but surprised. For those of you who know me, I try to be as humble as I can, and I pride myself on giving the shirt off my back to my fellow brothers and sisters.”

“Cyle’s integrity, vision, and empathy are reflected in his dedication to veterans,” said Jennifer. “His decisiveness, communication skills, and adaptability make him an effective leader. Furthermore, his accountability, ability to inspire, resilience, and collaborative spirit highlight his exceptional qualities as a leader.”

Paumen explained he would much rather give to someone else, which was why he joined the Legion. 

“That’s why I do what I do now,” he said. “To give to people who do more than me.”

In the letter she wrote detailing his achievements, Jennifer stated that his unwavering dedication to serving veterans and his community exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and service. 

“His tireless efforts and compassionate nature continue to make a significant impact,” she continued. “Earning him the respect and admiration of all who know him.”

Quilts of Valor Foundation is a nation-wide nonprofit organization whose mission is to “Cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” The quilts are handmade by volunteers to thank them for their “service, sacrifice, and valor.”  

Also awarded Quilts of Valor this year were Chris Popp and [posthumously] Sonny Erickson; Erickson’s son Stu accepted the quilt on his behalf.