KINGSFORD, Mich. (WZMQ) – This Veterans Day, the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center has begun a new special way to honor a few from the long list of veterans hailing from around the Upper Peninsula.
On Tuesday evening at Venue 906 in Kingsford, four veterans earned their spots in the inaugural class of its Hall of Heroes.
PFC Evo Peter Santoni of Iron Mountain, MSG Joseph Bunij, Jr. of Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin, SGT Michael Dugas of Alger County, and CPL Tracey Tippet of Champion were all recognized.
While Dugas and Tippet were present to receive their honors, a son of Santoni and two sisters of Bunij stepped in to accept their recognitions.
Tippet, originally from Ishpeming, has received many honors in the past, including Marquette County Veteran of the Year in 2021, as well as being the first ever female U.P. Veteran of the Year in 2022. She says upon receiving such an award, its importance comes from her service done for others.
“To be able to help the veteran community and different organizations, it’s fulfilling,” she said. “We don’t do what we do for awards or for the recognition, people see what you do and feel you need to be honored.”
Dugas was also the Alger County Veteran of the year in 2023, he says the Hall of Heroes honor serves not just for himself, but also for those who may not ever receive this kind of attention.
“It’s an honor for me to be inducted in the first class. I like to honor all the veterans, past, present and future,” he said. “I think every time that you see a veteran and you know that it’s a veteran, you should thank them.”
The two were also presented with their own Quilts of Valor, handmade by volunteers looking to honor those who’ve served.
The Medical Center says within the next week, the official Hall of Heroes display will be completed, just down the main hallway of the facility.
“This was just one more way that we could elevate that appreciation, said Katie Maxon, Chief of Voluntary Services at the Oscar G. Johnson VAMC. “It was a lot of fun to build this program, and then be able to display those veterans throughout the year for others to see and hear just really provides that quality of caring.”
Nominations for the 2026 Hall of Heroes class will open in January. More information can be found on their website.
