In The News

After participating in the dedication of new a Student Veterans' Lounge at Grand Valley State University, Congressman Huizenga hosted a medals ceremony where he presented veterans and surviving family members with the medals earned during the veterans' time of service in the military.  Medals where awarded to Major Larry Smith of Zeeland, as well as to the families of Staff Sergeant Irving Kangas and Sergeant First Class Edward Rumsey.  

The event took place at the American Legion's Charles Conklin Michigan Post #28 on S Harbor Drive in Grand Haven.  Pictures of the event can be found by clicking here.  Below are the medals and awards bestowed upon each service member as well as WZZM's coverage of the ceremony.


Recipients and Awards Presented:

Korean & Vietnam Veteran: Major Larry Smith of Zeeland, U.S. Army.

Awards: Bronze Star Medal,  Air Medal & Numeral 3, Army Commendation Medal & Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Single), Korean Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Double), Vietnam Service Medal & Bronze Star Attachment (Single), Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon w/Device (1960), Expert Badge & Carbine Bar & Rifle Bar

WWII Veteran: Staff Sergeant Irving Kangas (Deceased), formerly of Holland, U.S. Army. Accepting on his behalf: His daughter Janet Kangas-Lankheet

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 silver service star, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar with Rifle Bar with Submachine Gun Bar

Vietnam Veteran: Sergeant First Class Edward Rumsey (Deceased), formerly of Montague, U.S. Army. Accepting on his behalf: His wife Martha Rumsey

Awards: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 4th Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 silver service star, Combat Infantryman Badge with Driver "W" Bar, Expert Badge with Machine Gun Bar, Marksman Badge with Pistol Bar