Bernie Stanaway was honored as Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year on Thursday at the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. He is a Korean War veteran, is the commander of the Negaunee VFW post, and is also involved in volunteering with a number of other veterans groups in Marquette County.
Stanaway was also praised for his work at the State of Michigan’s Jacobetti Home For Veterans in Marquette.
“It’s a great honor to get this award today,” Stanaway said. “It’s very humbling. I’m not one to pat myself on the back or anything, but it’s very humbling and very rewarding. I don’t do what I do because I want accolades. I do it because I see a need. It’s just who I am.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and First District Congressman Jack Bergman (R) were the keynote speakers for the ceremony, which was held under sunny skies in front of the grandstand area of the fairgrounds.
State senator Ed McBroom (R-Norway) and state representatives Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette) and Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) were also on hand for the event in Escanaba, along with state and local veterans officials.
The Honorary U.P. Veteran of the Year was also awarded at the ceremony. He’s Wayne Roy, from Gladstone American Legion Post 71. He also serves on the U.P. Veteran of the Year committee.
Meanwhile, the committee announced that it does not have enough money left in the bank to continue the award in 2020. They appealed for donations “even $25, $50, whatever you can afford”.
Scroll down to see more photos and videos from the event:
