We encourage everyone to try to get to the Vista Theater in Negaunee to experience “The Brain Trust,” a play written by Marquette County Veteran of the Year Bill Hager.

As detailed in a story this week by Mining Journal Staff Writer Lisa Bowers, Hager has dedicated his time to service of veterans and others across the Upper Peninsula.

The play, which had its premiere Thursday night, is about four boys coming of age in the Vietnam War era through the stages of their lives, highlighting the hurdles faced by military veterans.

Written with humor and grit, it is an authentic tale from someone who lived through and survived so much.

During his time in the service, Hager earned numerous military awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He did two tours in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy, then served nearly two decades at the Army National Guard post in Ishpeming before his retirement in 1993.

Hager went to Northern Michigan University on the G.I. Bill and has made it through so much adversity, including several automobile accidents and a house fire. Despite those challenges, Hager has been a leader within the community.

In the story, Craig Salo, director Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs, described Hager, in part, as having an “unwavering volunteer spirit” and “consistent dedication to taking care of veterans and their family members.”

“Bill is no stranger to adversity,” Salo said. “He has fought against the odds with significant medical issues, life threatening automobile accidents, combat service in Vietnam, and the unfortunate loss of his family home from fire in National Mine. He is a survivor and his ability to educate and support veterans is forged in his own life story. Bill has dedicated his adult life to the service of veterans and others within Marquette County and across the Upper Peninsula. Bill is a life member of the DAV, American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and AMVETS. He has served in and led multiple non-profit organizations within Marquette County and is well respected as a mentor, counselor and advocate for veterans and their family members.”

Performances of the play continue at 7 p.m. today-Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The run will continue on May 23-24 at 7 p.m. with the final performance at 2 p.m. May 25.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for active military and veterans, seniors and students kindergarten through grade 12 and will be sold at Snowbound Books in Marquette, Midtown Bakery in Negaunee and Rare Earth Goods in Ishpeming and online at www.vistatheater.org.

As we said, we hope everyone finds the time to attend the play and learn about the experiences of this special man who has done so much for others. Congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Hager.