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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2010
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Veterans Appreciation Breakfast a Tremendous Success and Legislation Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel Approved

 Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny & Butler County) hosted the 14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Four Points Sheraton in Mars on Friday April 30.

Over 700 veterans and guests attended with several outstanding speakers, including Major General Walter F. Pudlowski, retired U.S. Army; Chaplain Lt. Colonel Douglas A. Etter, Executive Officer of the Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans Affairs; Rory A. Cooper, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, University of Pittsburgh and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Nathan Tobey, Coordinating Producer at Penn State Broadcasting.

Additionally, a Special Awards Presentation honored Lt. Ralph S. Zeigler, a Distinguished Flying Cross honoree who was inducted into the Soldiers & Sailors Hall of Valor; Sergeant Mike Mauer, who was recently inducted into the Southwestern Pennsylvania Veterans Hall of Fame and Roscoe Mulvey, a recipient of the French Government's highest honor, the Legion of Honor Medal, in addition to his Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

"As Memorial Day approaches, I think it is important to honor all those who have served in the military as well as currently serving on the front lines to defend this great nation," Orie said.  "This is an opportunity to say thank you for preserving the very freedom we enjoy today."

"It is also very gratifying, and fortuitous, that yesterday (Thursday, April 29) Governor Rendell signed into law Senate Bill 888 (Act 22) which designates the bridges on Route 28 over State Route 8 in the Boroughs of Etna and Sharpsburg as the Chief Warrant Officer Michael J. Novosel Memorial Bridges."

Senator Jane Orie (R-40) sponsored Senate Bill 888 (Act 22) to honor Novosel, an area native who received the Medal of Honor for bravery and heroism while fighting in the Republic of Vietnam.  Novosel distinguished himself while serving as commander of a medical evacuation helicopter by rescuing 29 soldiers, through 15 separate extractions, who were pinned down by a large enemy force.

"The extraordinary heroism displayed by Chief Warrant Officer Novosel was an inspiration to his comrades in arms and reflects great credit on him, his unit and the United States Army," Orie said. 

CONTACT:

Mike Sarfert
(717) 787-6538