Jeff Miller is quoted as saying, “The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” Well, Yoopers will have an opportunity to express that gratitude today in Escanaba.

C. William “Bill” Hager has been selected as the 2021 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. The National Mine man was picked by the U.P. Veteran of the Year Committee and nominated by the Marquette County Veterans Alliance.

He will be honored during the Upper Peninsula State Fair today.

Hager served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-67. In 1977, he joined the U.S. Army serving from 1977-93 with the 107th Engineers, Active Guard Reserve retiring as a highly decorated Master Sergeant (E-8). During his time in the military, Hager earned the Army Service Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal (2); Recruiter Badge; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal W/Devices; Vietnam Service Medal (2); Combat Action Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (2); NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4); Army Good Conduct Medal (3); Navy Good Conduct Medal; Navy Efficiency Medal; Army Commendation Medal (5); Meritorious Service Medal; and the Navy Expeditionary Medal.

Over the years, he actively served his community as a member of the Lions Club, Marquette County Youth Coalition, Marquette County Volunteer Fire Department (ladder captain), the Ishpeming Board of Review, the non-profit One Love Brigade, as Red Cross and Salvation Army volunteer, as swim coach and volunteer meet referee in Gwinn and Marquette County, and with the Marquette County Fair Association. In addition, Hager volunteered at an amputee seminar at the Milwaukee VA and does Santa duties at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans.

The Marquette County Veterans Alliance states, “(Bill Hager) makes a better place for veterans and community by opening his home, property and finances to others. (Bill) has been a mentor, counselor and advocate for county veterans and addresses such issues as PTSD, drugs and alcohol addiction through a church group, providing work and therapy for veterans at his hobby farm for rescued miniature horses and donkeys. (Bill) routinely aids homeless families, searching for benefits, housing and helping the veterans enroll in VA services.”

Hager will be honored for his achievements at a formal ceremony at the U.P. State Fair in Escanaba at 11 a.m. today. All veterans and the public are welcome to attend the ceremony.

This is a man who has dedicated his life in service to others, and for that, we could never thank him enough.

However, if you are able to make it to the U.P. State Fair, consider taking a swing by this ceremony to honor a man who has given back so much. It’s the least we can do.