Press Releases

On Friday, March 27th, Congressman Bill Huizenga will host a medals ceremony at 1:30 in the afternoon at the VFW in Muskegon. Congressman Huizenga will give brief opening remarks prior to the medals presentation taking place. The ceremony is expected to conclude at approximately 3:00 PM. VFW Post 446 is located at 165 S Getty St. in Muskegon.

“It is an incredible privilege for me to present these West Michigan veterans with the medals they earned in service to our nation and in defense of freedom,” said Congressman Huizenga. “I encourage everyone from the community to join us in honoring these local heroes at the VFW on Friday.”

The following West Michigan veterans will be receiving ribbons, commendations, and medals earned during their time of service on behalf of a grateful nation.


Joseph Dabrowski of Muskegon – Buck Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 1972-1976

Awards:

• Air Force Good Conduct Medal
• National Defense Service Medal

Buck Sergeant Dabrowski was a fabric and rubber products specialist and often volunteered to climb three stories of scaffolding to inspect parachutes from above.


Carl Kuzyk of Muskegon – Specialist, U.S. Army, 1968-1969

Awards:

• Bronze Star Medal
• Army Commendation Medal
• Army Good Conduct Medal
• Meritorious Unit Commendation
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze service stars
• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960)
• Sharpshooter Badge with Machine Gun Bar
• Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar

Specialist Kuzyk was a radio operator in the 101st Airborne and served for a year and a half in Vietnam. He was visited in Vietnam by Muskegon war hero Mr. Joseph Beyrle.


George Siler of Muskegon – Specialist, U.S. Army, 1970-1976

Awards:

• Good Conduct Medal (Army)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar

Specialist Siler was chosen as an instructor at the Ground Radar Surveillance School in Arizona upon graduation. He also did a tour of duty in West Germany where he was assigned duties along the border between East and West Germany.


Randy White of Muskegon – Specialist, U.S. Army, 1970-1973, National Guard, 1980-1986

Awards:

• Air Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 2 bronze service stars
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device (1960)
• Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar

Specialist White served in Vietnam for 11.5 months and was a door gunner and crew chief on a helicopter gunship.


Ronald DeWaard of Holland - Engineman Second Class, U.S. Navy, 1966-1970

Awards:

• Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” Device
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze start appurtenance
• Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon

Engineman Second Class DeWaard served as an engineman in the Navy and spent a year and a half in the Philippines and a year in Vietnam.


Larry Seastrom of North Muskegon – Buck Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, 1964-1968

Awards:

• Good Conduct Medal (Air Force)
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal with 1 bronze service star
• Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon

Buck Sergeant Seastrom worked as an airplane mechanic in Vietnam from 1966-67. He often worked on A-1 Skyraiders, which were the last propeller driven planes used in combat.