ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Thursday was Honored Citizens Day at the U.P. State Fair. The day’s activities included a luncheon with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, a performance by the Woodland Sky Dance Company, and the annual U.P. Veteran of the Year ceremony.
Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Steve Kwarciany received this year’s honor. Following his time on active duty, Kwarciany has dedicated his life to serving local veterans as part of county organizations like the Veterans Council, the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Committee, the Veterans Trust Fund Committee, and the VA Committee.
Kwarciany said it was a humbling experience to be selected among so many Upper Peninsula veterans who have selflessly served their country.
“I may have been selected for this award this year, but I know for certain just how many deserving veterans there are in the U.P., all of them working just as hard as I am in trying to give back to their fellow vets and striving to make their communities better through their actions,” he said. “To all my fellow vets out there, thank you for what you have done for our nation, what you do today in your own communities, and what you represent to the future generations. I hope to live up to this honor for the rest of my life.”
Several Michigan legislators attended the ceremony to recognize Kwarciany’s dedication to his fellow veterans. Among them were Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, State Senator John Damoose, State Senator Ed McBroom, and State Representatives Dave Prestin, Karl Bohnak, Greg Markkanen, and Parker Fairbairn. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters also attended.
Kwarciany received a golden ticket from the U.P. Honor Flight, which takes veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day. He will be able to attend one upcoming flight of his choosing.
