CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH UP VET OF THE YEAR JIM PROVOST
Longtime Marquette veteran’s advocate Jim Provost was given the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year award Thursday at the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba.
He had won Marquette County’s award last year, but this was the big one, with local, state, and federal officials on hand to congratulate him, led by Governor Gretchen Witmer (D-MI). Provost is a member of the Marquette County Veterans Affairs Council, among other titles.
“Wow,” Provost said in an interview with RRN News. “You can’t say anyting but ‘wow’. It was amazing to be recognized by the people that you work with, and all these people who help veterans. It’s just outstanding. When you get a chance to help veterans, hey, it doesn’t get any better.”
Whitmer also paid tribute to Provost’s work in numerous veterans organizations in Marquette County.
“It’s an honor as the govermor to play a small part in acknoledging the really important work that’s happening across the state,” she said. “Jim’s lived a remarkable life, and will continue to do so for a long time. He’s given back to his hometown in so many ways, for so many years. You’ve made a difference in so many lives.”
Provost told the crowd of veterans and supporters that “it’s not about me, it’s about we”. He was nominated for the award by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 22, Provost was given a “golden ticket” to take part in the U.P. Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13.
Besides Whitmer, state reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Dave Prestin (R-Cedar River), and Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) were all on hand for the event. State Sen. Ed McBroom (R-Norway) and Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) were also in attendance.
Also, for the first time, an award was given to a civilian at the event. Dennis Larson of Iron Mountain was thanked for his work at the VA Medical Center. He is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and was specifically thanked for mainting the veterans memorial flag pole on top of Pine Mountain.
For his part, Provost urged younger people to get involved in veterans issues.
“It’s time,” he said. “It’s time to get in. We need that support from the young veterans in all the organizations, because us old guys are winding down.”
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