ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Thursday, Howard Seid of Rockland was honored as the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year.
Seid graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1985, eventually becoming vice commander of his wing at Lackland Air Force Base in 2007. He currently serves as commander of American Legion Rockland Post 92.
Seid has a long history of veteran and community service, which includes driving veterans to the VA Hospital in Iron Mountain, organizing outreach events, and personally assisting veterans in need.
“All I can say is, ‘Wow,'” he said. “I’ve been to many ceremonies as a commander in Lackland, and this one’s over the top…. On behalf of Rockland Legion Post 92 and myself, thank you all again for being here and for this incredible honor.”
Dr. John Phillip Shealey, director of the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, expressed his gratitude for Seid’s dedication to his fellow veterans.
“He not only volunteers for us, but he’s also a great partner as a veterans service officer,” said Shealey. “When we do events in his area, he’s always there to support us. The least we can do is support him.”
Seid received multiple honors during the U.P. Veteran of the Year Ceremony and was recognized by U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, State Representative Jenn Hill, State Senator Ed McBroom, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and other Michigan officials. Seid was also awarded a golden ticket for the next Upper Peninsula Honor Flight, which will take U.P. veterans to Washington, D.C. in September.
WZMQ 19 is a proud Reserve Champion Sponsor of the 2024 U.P. State Fair.
