Caledonia Native Decorated for Service to Veterans

The newest recipient of a Meritorious Service Medal is a Caledonia native, The Journal Times reports. 

Jeffrey Unger wrote about receiving the medal on his Facebook page, saying "WOW, I thought my days of military decorations were over, I have been corrected. God Bless you all. I absolutely love what I do, and I guess it shows."

The official citation, as reported by the DeForest Times, recognizes Unger's "service to the Wisconsin veteran and military communities," including changes he worked to achieve in "veteran's legislation, programs and benefits impacting the Wisconsin National Guard."

After the ceremony, Unger told the DeForest Times he felt fortunate to have been able to serve veterans in his retirement from active duty:

"There is no more noble decision than that of deciding to raise your right hand and defend your country. When I retired after 21.5 years of active military service, I made a promise to my fellow airmen that I may be hanging the uniform in a closet, but I wasn't going to let those smartly sewn stripes collect dust. I would find a way to continue to serve our nation's veterans and their families, to make certain it was left better than what I found it."