Macomb County honors veteran of the year
December 9, 2020 07:58 PM
Phil Randazzo, right, of Shelby Township, was recognized by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners as the Pat Daniels Veteran of the Year. He is pictured with Commissioner Phil Kraft.
Photo provided by Macomb County Board of Commissioners
By Alex Szwarc (Mount Clemens - Clinton - Harrison Journal, MI)
MOUNT CLEMENS — A Shelby Township veteran was recently publicly recognized by Macomb County.
At the Nov. 19 Macomb County Board of Commissioners meeting, a proclamation was read honoring the 2020 Macomb County Board of Commissioners Pat Daniels Veteran of the Year.
That honor this year went to Phil Randazzo. The county received 25 nominees.
Randazzo said he does what he does for the veterans who didn’t make it back home from the Vietnam War.
“We fought so people in positions of helping the citizens are protected so they can keep peace and order in this country,” he said. “It’s a big honor for me.”
Randazzo served in the Army during the Vietnam War. For his wartime service, he received a pair of Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He was an intelligence reconnaissance scout part of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
The resolution states that Randazzo unselfishly gives his time, energy and undaunted efforts to Macomb County’s large and growing community of veterans in need.
“As a veteran himself, Randazzo serves his community each and every day as a compassionate and empathetic advocate for our county’s veterans,” it reads.
The resolution continues, noting that of the most significant contributions he has made to the veteran communities of Macomb County and Michigan, there is none higher than Randazzo’s calling as a veteran who helps other veterans in finding the resources they need.
“Thanks for continuing to dedicate yourself to others,” Board Chair Bob Smith told Randazzo. “Your efforts over the years haven’t gone unnoticed and continue to make an impact on countless individuals.”
Randazzo is instrumental in the organization of Shelby Township’s annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies and also serves as a member of the Macomb County Older Adult Advisory Committee.
The Macomb County Veteran of the Year Award was created by the board last year to honor outstanding Macomb County veterans. It was later renamed after its first recipient, Pat Daniels, a Vietnam War veteran.
“The key word in the proclamation is selfless,” Commissioner Phil Kraft said. “Everything you do is selfless and for our vets and your buddies. You’re doing a fantastic job and will continue doing a fantastic job for our vets and representing them.”
The commission calls the award a special honor recognizing an outstanding veteran for the many contributions and distinguished years of service to the citizens of Macomb County and veterans of the United States military.
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