LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Honor, respect and remember are the words on the website of the Michigan Heroes Museum, an organization that is dedicated to doing just that in regards to Michigan citizens’ personal contributions to our nation’s military and space programs.

In celebration of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11th, many around Michigan and the country will be having an annual day of remembrance, honoring all those who have served in the military, past and present. According to the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA)’s 2022 Annual Report, there are 554,281 veterans in the state, with Michigan ranking 11 of 53 in veteran population amongst states and territories.

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The Michigan Heroes Museum will be having a “Heroes Next Door” Dinner Gala in Grand Rapids on Saturday featuring James C. McCloughan, a Medal of Honor Recipient, former US Army soldier and a Vietnam War Veteran.

McCloughan will be one of the keynote speakers at the event in addition to former NASA astronaut Gregory Harold “Box” Johnson. McCloughan was drafted into the US Army in 1968 as a combat medic. In May of 1969 he distinguished himself in fighting near Tam Kỳ at Nui Yon Hill where he was wounded multiple times during the battle but refused evacuation. After his discharge from the army, he returned to his hometown of South Haven, Michigan, where he became a high school teacher and athletics coach.

For his actions during the war, McCloughan was approved for the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in December 2016 and was presented the Medal of Honor on 31 July 2017 by President Donald Trump, the first such award of Trump’s administration.

Also honoring our veterans is the Michigan Veterans Affairs who have named Munising resident Sonny Putvin as the 2023 Michigan Veterans Affairs Veteran of the Year. Putvin entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and returned home after a year-and-a-half overseas. He joined the American Legion and in his 20 years in the Honor Guard, he has served at more than 400 veteran funerals. He also cleaned veteran tombstones at the Maple Grove Cemetery.

Putvin says about serving, “I wanted to serve my country. I always respected the WWII vets I knew. I served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, facing the hardships of war while celebrating my love for this country. After an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart, I found solace and purpose in the American Legion, serving in various roles and supporting local veterans’ organizations. I have been active in growing the Fourth of July festivities in Munising, organizing and lighting the spectacular fireworks display for over four decades. I also volunteer to clean veteran tombstones to preserve the memory of fallen comrades. I hope to inspire younger veterans to contribute to the well-being of their communities.”

Putvin says about the award, “I express my deep gratitude to all those who have supported me throughout my journey. I accept this award not only on their behalf, but on behalf of all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation. May we never forget their sacrifices and may we always strive to support and uplift one another.”

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Alger County Veterans Service Officer Becky Burns nominated Putvin for the award without the knowledge of her committee or even Putvin – but it worked out well. Burns said about the veteran, “Sonny is just pure joy, he is just a bright light of sunshine and extremely humble. He definitely does what he does because he loves people, he loves the community and just really gives out of heart.”

McCloughan and Putvin are just two of thousands of Michigan veterans who deserve our appreciation, respect and remembrance this weekend – and the rest of the year as well.