CLICK BELOW TO HEAR VETERANS CEREMONY ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR COMMENTS FROM PAUL SCHLOEGEL
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR FROM STATE REP. SARA CAMBENSY
CLICK BELOW TO HEAR FROM CONGRESSMAN JACK BERGMAN
The 2021 Upper Peninsula veteran of the year was honored on Thursday during a ceremony at the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba. Bill Hager from the western Marquette County town of National Mine was recognized by state and federal officials, along with people from numerous veterans groups.
Hager served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-through-1967. Then he was with the Army’s 107th Engineers, unit from 1977 to 1993. Hager could not attend the ceremony because he is ill in hospital. His nephew, Paul Schloegel represented him at the ceremony, which was held under hot, steamy conditions.
“He (Hager) would be on Cloud Nine,” Schloegel said. “Bill is always a humble person. But when it comes to being around fellow veterans, it’s just something that he loves to be a part of, whether it’s part of a special event, or recognizing veterans for what they do every day. Bill would just be on Cloud Nine right now.”
Hager’s volunteerism, as well as military service, were the subject of multiple tributes during the 40-minute –long ceremony.
“It was 2018 when we gave him the Marquette County Veteran of the Year award,” said state representative Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette). “Getting to meet him and his family, and hear the stories of his service, not just from when he was in Vietnam, but everything he’s done since he came home. It was a privilege to be here, and an honor to hear about all he has done. It’s certainly inspiring.”
And the service of all veterans were recognized along with Hager’s.
“The men and women who are here understand that you have to fight for freedom,” said Congressman Jack Bergman (R-Watersmeet), who is also a retired Marine general. “They were willing to do it. That’s why I’m so proud to honor them here today.”
Also on hand, and delivering remarks, were Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D), State Senator Ed McBroom (R-Norway), and state representatives Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) and John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). The director of the Michigan Department of Veteran and Military Affairs also spoke, as did representatives for U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D) and Gary Peters (D).
“I knew I’d be emotional about it,” Schloegel said. “But I can’t tell you just how much it has meant for me to be a part of this and represent the family, and to really recognize Bill’s honor.”
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