The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency celebrated seven individuals and organizations across the state at the 2023 Military & Veterans Gala Awards on Saturday, November 4. Local veteran and volunteer Sonny Putvin won the most prestigious award as the 2023 Veteran of the Year.
“I express my deep gratitude to all those who have supported me throughout my journey. I accept this award not only on their behalf, but on behalf of all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our great nation. May we never forget their sacrifices and may we always strive to support and uplift one another,” Putvin said after receiving the award.
A second Upper Peninsula resident also received an award. Denise Formulo was recognized as the Veteran Service Provider of the Year. The current Dickinson County Veteran Service Officer and Vice President of the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors keeps the award in the U.P., after Alger County Veteran Service Officer Becky Burns won in 2022.
Five other Michiganders were recognized at the gala for various work with veterans in professional, volunteer and outreach work. Below is the press release from Michigan Veterans Affairs about Putvin and Formulo as well as other award winners from downstate.
Francis “Sonny” Putvin Residence: Munising Military service: Army, 1 year, 7 months, 6 days Employment: Retired Hobbies: Outdoor activities including hunting, snowshoeing and being in nature; spending time with family and friends; spoiling the women in my life with a special Christmas tradition of buying them all corsages.
“I wanted to serve my country. I always respected the WWII vets I knew. I served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, facing the hardships of war while celebrating my love for this country. After an honorable discharge and a Purple Heart, I found solace and purpose in the American Legion, serving in various roles and supporting local veterans’ organizations. I have been active in growing the Fourth of July festivities in Munising, organizing and lighting the spectacular fireworks display for over four decades. I also volunteer to clean veteran tombstones to preserve the memory of fallen comrades. I hope to inspire younger veterans to contribute to the well-being of their communities.”
Family: Married with 6 children, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandsons
Denise Marie Formolo Residence: Iron Mountain Military service: N/A Employment: Director, Dickinson County Veteran Service Office; County Veteran Service Officer; Vice President, Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors Family: Two sons: Duane, Army command Sgt. Maj. (retired), and Mario, who works in family business Hobbies: Camping, hiking, kayaking, painting, reading, cooking, spending time with family Thoughts on receiving award: “It is an honor to be recognized as the Veteran Service Provider of the Year. I am humbled to be standing here today representing all the veteran service providers who are just as deserving. Without the support and dedication of my fellow county Veteran Service Officers I would not be standing here today. I would like to thank the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for choosing me among so many other worthy and talented nominees, the Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors for the ongoing yearly training and support, my co-worker and friend Lacey for her continued support. Most importantly, I would like to thank our veterans. It is because of their service and sacrifice that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have today. They have given so much, and it is our duty to give back to them. As a county Veteran Service Officer, I am committed, as are the hundreds of other Veteran Service Officers, to ensuring that our veterans receive the care, support and benefits that they deserve. This award is a testament to that commitment and I, along with my counterparts, will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of our veterans. Thank you again for this amazing honor, I look forward to continuing our mission to serve the Veterans in our communities.”
VA Employee of the Year: Carlos F. Castillo, Grand Rapids Veteran Friendly Volunteer of the Year: Erin Maroni, Grand Blanc DMVA Employee of the Year: Dawn Shinaver, Lansing MVAA and Trust Fund Exceptional Service Award: Hillsdale County Department of Veterans Affairs Community Outreach and Community Engagement Award: Kara Fields, Troy
