Village of Russia Légion d'honneur
The Village of Russia Légion d'honneur program is to recognize and honor those persons, living or deceased, who through their character, contributions, and achievements, bestow upon the Russia community and Russia Local School a positive image, so that present-day students and community members can connect with the past and emulate these hallowed and virtuous persons in the future. The Légion d'honneur program will reinforce merit-based distinction and strive to foster an increased sense of pride among students, faculty, administration, alumni and community members.
Nominations are accepted beginning in May of each year. Completed nominations must be postmarked or dropped off at the school office by August 15th for consideration for the following year. Committee review and selection begins in the fall with the induction ceremony to be held in early spring.
This civic merit program is being funded by the Russia Wellness Foundation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any Légion d'honneur committee member or Levi Francis at lfrancis@francismfg.com.
2026 Légion d'Honneur Inductees
Dale Armstrong
Urban Borchers
Cyril "Cy" Paulus
Dale Armstrong devoted decades of his life to the steady, thoughtful leadership of the Village of Russia. Known for his reliability, integrity, and deep sense of responsibility, Dale approached public service not as a title, but as a calling—to care for the village, protect its future, and improve daily life for the people who called it home.
His formal service to the village began as a member of the Village of Russia Council (1982–1989). During those years, Dale played an active role in shaping the village’s growth and governance. He served as Council President and contributed his time and judgment to the Zoning Board and Planning Commission, helping guide responsible development while preserving the character of the community. His work during this period laid the groundwork for the long and impactful leadership that would follow.
In 1990, Dale was elected Mayor of the Village of Russia, a position he would hold for an extraordinary 19 years (1990–2009). During his tenure, the village undertook several major projects that significantly strengthened its infrastructure and quality of life. Under Dale’s leadership, key initiatives included the development and support of the Russia Community Library, the implementation of the village sewage system, oversight of Mayor’s Court, and the critical start-up of the Village Water Project. These efforts required persistence, collaboration, and long-term vision—qualities Dale consistently brought to the office. The systems and institutions established during his mayoralty continue to serve residents today and stand as enduring markers of his commitment to the village’s future.
Dale also gave his time in service to public safety as a member of the Village of Russia Fire Department, where he served for eight years, supporting the department that has long been central to the community’s protection and well-being.
Beyond village government, Dale was deeply involved in civic, faith, and recreational organizations. He was a lifetime member of St. Remy Knights of Columbus for 50 years, serving as Grand Knight in 1977, and exemplifying service rooted in faith and fraternity. He was also a member and former trustee of the Lake Loramie Improvement Association, and dedicated 13 years to the Passport to Fishing Program, helping introduce young people to outdoor recreation and stewardship.
Through decades of service, Dale Armstrong proved himself a careful steward of the village—practical, approachable, and always focused on what would best serve the community. His legacy is written into the village’s institutions, its infrastructure, and the countless lives touched by his quiet, faithful leadership.
Urban Borchers was a man whose life reflected a rare blend of vision, generosity, and devotion to both faith and community. A thoughtful leader and lifelong steward of the Village of Russia, Urban understood that strong communities are built not only through service and planning, but through personal investment and generosity that endures long after one’s own lifetime.
Urban gave freely of his time and talents to village leadership. He served the Russia Local School Board as Clerk-Treasurer, where his careful oversight supported the education of local children and the long-term stability of the school system. He was also President of the Russia Civic Association and a member of the Russia Park Development Committee, contributing to projects that enhanced community life, recreation, and shared public spaces for generations to enjoy.
Faith and service were central to Urban’s life. He was a charter member of St. Remy Knights of Columbus in 1954, later serving as Grand Knight and earning the distinction of Fourth Degree Knight. His leadership and commitment were instrumental in the development of St. Remy Hall, a cornerstone of parish and community life. Urban’s involvement reflected a deep belief that strong faith communities strengthen the entire village.
As a forward-thinking landowner and developer, Urban shaped the physical growth of Russia in meaningful ways. He undertook the residential development of his 80-acre farm within the village, helping provide housing while maintaining respect for the character and needs of the community. His work demonstrated both practical foresight and a long-term commitment to responsible development.
Urban’s leadership extended well beyond village boundaries into county and regional agriculture and planning. He served on the Shelby County Regional Planning Committee, and held leadership roles in several agricultural organizations, including President of the Shelby County Dairy Association, Board member of the Miami Valley Milk Producers Association, and President of the Holstein Association. Through these roles, he advocated for farmers, promoted agricultural excellence, and strengthened the economic foundation of the region.
Perhaps most enduring was Urban Borchers’ spirit of philanthropy. He generously donated land for the Russia Branch Library, St. Remy Church, and St. Remy Hall, leaving physical landmarks that continue to serve and unite the community. His charitable support also extended to the Glenmary and Precious Blood Missions, and to local youth through Russia High School baseball scholarships, reflecting his desire to invest in both faith and future generations.
Cyril “Cy” Paulus was a man whose life and work were inseparable from the village of Russia. Practical, steady, and deeply committed to the well-being of others, he devoted nearly his entire life to serving his family, his neighbors, and his community with quiet determination and uncommon generosity.
Perhaps no contribution better reflects Cy’s vision and leadership than his role in the founding of the Russia Community Fire Company. In 1946, recognizing the growing need for organized fire protection in the village, Cy helped organize the department and worked tirelessly to raise funds, gather equipment, and build community support. At a time when resources were limited and success depended almost entirely on volunteer effort, his persistence and foresight proved invaluable. He went on to serve as the first Fire Chief, a role he held for an extraordinary 32 years (1947–1979). Under his guidance, the fire department became a dependable and essential institution—one that safeguarded lives, homes, farms, and businesses, and remains a lasting asset to the village to this day. His continued service on the Board of Directors reflected a lifelong commitment to its strength and future.
Cy’s dedication to public service extended far beyond the fire company. He served as a Village of Russia Council Member, helping guide local decision-making with common sense and a deep understanding of his neighbors’ needs. He was active in the St. Remy Knights of Columbus and served as President of the Russia Civic Association, lending his leadership wherever it was needed. His peers recognized his impact when he was named Firefighter of the Year by the Shelby County Firefighters Association—an honor that reflected not only his service, but the respect he earned throughout the county.
For 70 years, Cy was also a familiar and trusted presence as the owner and operator of the Paulus Barber Shop and Shoe Store (1927–1997). From behind the barber’s chair, he came to know generations of families. It was often said that Cy seemed to know everyone—and in many ways, he did. His shop was more than a business; it was a gathering place where news was shared, friendships were formed, and community bonds were strengthened.
Above all, Cy Paulus was a devoted family man and a neighbor who believed in showing up, pitching in, and doing what needed to be done. His legacy lives on not only in institutions he helped build, but in the spirit of service that continues to define the village of Russia.
To view past Légion d’Honneur Inductees, please click here
Village of Russia Légion d'Honneur Committee Members
| Name | Designation | |
| Steve Rose | Russia Local School Superintendent | srose@russiaschool.org |
| Mary Jo High | Village of Russia Mayor | mhigh@francismfg.com |
| Maria Hoehne | Russia Board of Education President | jmhoehne1@hotmail.com |
| Craig Muhlenkamp | Russia Wellness Foundation President | craig.muhlenkamp@minsterschools.org |
| Joel Meyer | St. Remy Pastoral Council President | joelmeyer.1@gmail.com |
| Marilyn Sherman | Russia Community Member | mertrich3@gmail.com |
| Barb Cordonnier | Russia Community Member | dbcordney@gmail.com |