MARQUETTE — A Champion Township veteran is taking home yet another honor this year.

Tracey Ann Tippett has been selected the 2022 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. She was nominated by the Marine Corps League, Lake Superior Detachment #764.

She’s the first person to be named veteran of the year for the state, U.P. and Marquette County.

“I’m extremely honored, its greatly appreciated,” said Tippett. “I’m even more honored to be the first woman.”

Tippett was chosen by her peers on a council of U.P. commanders who represent veteran organizations across the region.

She served in the United States Marine Corps, attached to unit Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS)-371, Yuma, Arizona, as a heavy equipment mechanic.

Tippett is a life member of the Marine Corps League, Military Order of Devil Dogs League (an honor society of the Marine Corps), and the Marquette County Veterans Alliance Committee.

She is also a member of American Legion Post 44, Marquette, and a member of the Marquette County Veterans Affair Committee. Tippett currently serves as the U.P. Zone vice commandant, Department of Michigan; department adjutant, Marine Corps League; and acts as the Department of Michigan’s webmaster for the Marine Corps League.

In addition, she has been the Marine Corps League’s coordinator for Toys for Tots, Lake Superior Detachment #764, since 2016.

She is also the finance officer for the Northern Wolves Pound #174; secretary, Marquette County Veterans Alliance; and is a board trustee for the Marquette County Veterans Alliance.

Tippett’s veteran awards throughout the years have been numerous. Included among her recent awards is the 2022 Central Division Marine of the Year, 2021 Marquette County Veteran of the Year, 2021 State of Michigan Veteran of the Year, 2020 Michigan Pack “Pack Dog of the Year” and 2019 Northern Wolves Pound #174 “Pound Dog of the Year.” She was also awarded the 2022 U.P. Michigan Credit Union League Distinguished Service Award.

Tippett’s activities with local veterans’ organizations are numerous. She is an activities volunteer at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. She also volunteers as an Upper Peninsula Honor Flight fundraiser, Flag Day Honor Guard, Funeral Honor Guard, Toys for Tots coordinator, Veterans Day Services and Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, just to name a few.

Tippett annually volunteers for the Marquette and Ishpeming Christmas parades and Negaunee’s Pioneer Days.

She worships at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, where she once served as its financial secretary.

She serves an active role in the church’s Women’s Group and Trinity’s monthly Soup Luncheon program.

Tippett has been married to her husband Bruce for 12 years. She has a daughter Riley and a son-in-law John Lawson.

She’s been an employee of TruNorth Federal Credit Union for 28 years and currently serves as operations department manager.

Tippett will be honored for her achievements during a formal ceremony at the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, in front of the grandstand.

That day is also Veterans’ Day at the fair. Admission is free to veterans who show proper ID.

Brennan White can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is bwhite@miningjournal.net.