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First Lieutenant William Milzarski Receives Purple Heart Medal

March 12, 2015

Today, First Lieutenant William Milzarski of Bath Township received the Purple Heart Medal at a ceremony in the rotunda of the state capitol in Lansing.

As a platoon leader in Afghanistan, First Lieutenant Milzarski led 24 soldiers on 244 combat missions. On May 27, 2011, he was struck in the face by a ricocheted bullet as he and his men were engaged in combat with the enemy.

U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (Midland) presented the Purple Heart Medal and praised Milzarski, saying, "he braved firefights in a foreign land on our behalf, defending our way of life and the values we cherish."

State Senator Rick Jones (Grand Ledge) and State Speaker Pro Tempore Tom Leonard (DeWitt) attended the event. Leonard presented Milzarski with a flag that was flown over the state capitol.

Photos from the event are below.

From left to right: U.S. Representative John Moolenaar (Midland), Purple Heart Recipient, First Lieutenant William Milzarski (Bath Township), Major General Gregory J. Vadnais of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard, State Representative Tom Leonard (DeWitt).

U.S. Representative John Moolenaar presents the Purple Heart to First Lieutenant William Milzarski. The lieutenant's wife, Michelle Milzarski, is at left.

U.S. Representative John Moolenaar presents the Purple Heart to First Lieutenant William Milzarski. The lieutenant's wife, Michelle Milzarski, is at left.

First Lieutenant William Milzarski speaks to U.S. Representative John Moolenaar after receiving the Purple Heart Medal.

First Lieutenant William Milzarski (Bath Township) addresses the audience in the rotunda of the state capitol in Lansing after receiving the Purple Heart Medal for his service in Afghanistan.

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Issues:Veterans