Moolenaar Presents Military Honors to Muskegon Navy Veteran Karl Smith
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar presented military honors to Karl Smith at VFW Post 7729 in Muskegon. Smith enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old, while still attending Muskegon High School. During his service, he was assigned to serve on the USS Halsey, and was deployed to the West Pacific during the Vietnam War. In recognition of Karl's service, Moolenaar presented the medals he earned, but never received.
"It is a pleasure to honor Karl Smith and celebrate his service to our nation in the U.S. Navy. Karl was an exemplary sailor who, after his service, dedicated his life to keeping his community safe as a firefighter and police officer in Muskegon County. Brave service members like Karl deserve to be recognized, and it is an honor to present him with the awards he earned in service to our country 50 years ago." said Moolenaar.
Congressman Moolenaar with Karl and Mary Beth Smith.
Moolenaar presented Karl with the following awards: The Navy “E” Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the Vietnam Service Medal (with one bronze campaign star), and the Honorable Reserve Discharge Button.