Military Service and Honors ​

• United States Army Combat Medic (Vietnam War, 1969-1970) ​

• Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient (2017) ​

• 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V" device for valor, 2 Purple Heart Medals,The United States Army Combat Medical Badge ​

• The National Defense Medal ​

• The Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (Palms, 1 Bronze Star, 1 Oak Cluster) ​​​

• Veteran of the Year for the State of Michigan's 100th Anniversary (2018) ​&

• Warrior Veteran of the Year for the "Michigan Governor's Award" (2017) ​

Educational and Athletic Achievements ​

• College (Olivet College, Michigan): ​

  • BA in Sociology, Minor in Physical Education (1968) ​

  • MA in Psychology: Counseling and Personnel, Western Michigan University (1972)

  • Football: 4 years, 2 Varsity letters, Senior year record 8-1 ​

  • Wrestling: 4 years, 3 Varsity letters, Conference Champion at 130 pounds (Junior and Senior years) ​

  • Baseball: 2 years, 2 Varsity letters ​

  • Member of Circle K (College Kiwanis Club) ​​​

Professional Accomplishments

• Teaching and Coaching: ​

  • 38 years as a secondary Social Studies teacher at South Haven High School ​

  • 38 years coaching football, wrestling, baseball, and American Legion baseball ​

• Coaching Records:

  • Football: 188-107-5 record, 12 Wolverine Conference Championships, 2 undefeated 9-0 teams ​

  • Wrestling: 154-118 record, 4 Wolverine Conference Championships, 2 Individual State Champions

  • Baseball: 625-440 record, 11 Wolverine Conference Championships, 2 Final Four teams, 1 Michigan High School State Class "B" Runner-Up Team​

• MHSAA Wrestling Official Accomplishments: ​

  • Officiated 42 Conference Tournaments, 25 Individual District Tournaments, 47 Team District Tournaments, 24 Individual Regional Tournaments, 25 Team Regional Tournaments, and 18 Individual State Wrestling Final Tournaments ​

Awards and Honors ​

• National Wrestling Hall of Fame Medal of Courage (2019)

• Michigan High School Wrestling Association Hall of Fame (2023) ​

• Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2003) ​

• Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2008) ​

• Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame (1993) ​

• Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame (1978) ​

• South Haven High School Athletic Hall of Fame (2011) ​

• Distinguished Military Service Award (City of Detroit, 2017) ​

• Michigan American Legion Legionnaire of the Year (2018) ​

• National DAR Citizen Award (2017) ​

• Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award (2019) ​

Volunteer Service

• 47 years of community service ​

• Founding sponsor of multiple memorials and foundations, including the Vietnam Memorial Wall, WWII Memorial, and Civil War Trust ​

• Board member of various organizations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Tribute to Valor Foundation, and Woody Williams Foundation ​

• Founder and sponsor of South Haven Fellowship of Christian Athletes ​

• Founder, manager, and coach of South Haven Junior Wrestling Program ​

South Haven Memorial Day Parade Marshall for 5