Quicken Loans Vet of the Game
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The Plymouth Whalers and Quicken Loans are proud to present the second year of the Veteran of the Game. At each Whalers home game, a United State Armed Forces veteran is honored at the ten minute mark of the 1st period, as Quicken Loans presents a $100 on his or her behalf to the USO. In addition, each Veteran is interviewed during the 1st intermission on the Whalers television broadcast. Below you will find descriptions of all 2012-13 Veterans of the Game, plus how to nominate a Veteran of the Game.
Vets of the Game
9/22/2012: Bill Petrere
Bill served from 1965-67, belonging to the 134th ordinance air defense missile group located in the Panama Canal. Bill then pursued a career in the field of education, retired in 2005 fromLivoniaPublic Schools and now enjoying retirement with my family and friends.
9/29/2012: Chris Lobocki
Chris is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, having earned three Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals while spending four years on board guided missile cruiser 69, the USS Vicksburg.
10/6/2012: Anthony Mallia
Anthony served from 1970 until 1984 as a member of the United States Army, including in Vietnam. During Anthony’s time, he received numerous awards and recognition. Anthony is joined tonight by his son Chris, who nominated his father to be tonight’s Get of the game.
10/13/2012: David Laverty
David was a combat engineer in Vietnam, who earned several medals during his years in service. David is a current member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion and VFO post and currently resides in Redford.
10/27/2012: Kevin Martin
Kevin retired after 20 ½ years of service. He received over 25 medals and decorations in his year, while serving in South Carolina, Michigan and numerous temporary duties overseas including the Persian Gulf region.
11/03/2012:Gerry Witkowski
Gerry served in Vietnam for 2 years, and was in charge of a 5-man crew as a river rat at the age of 18. Gerry currently resides in the local area.
11/09/2012: Denis Bielskis
Denis served in West Germany for 3 years and 9 months, followed by over 11 months in Vietnam in the 11th armored calvary regiment.
11/21/2012: Charlie Carlin
Charlie is a member of the Plymouth community who recently returned from serving tours of duty in Afghanistan.
11/23/2012: Charles Johnson
Charles served in the US army from 1969-72 in Vietnam, and was awarded a service medal with 2 bronze service stars, and a campaign medal as a member in a combat service unit.
11/30/2012: Richard Schmidt
Richard served in the Navy between 1950-54 aboard the USS Coral Sea during the Korean War. Today Richard is an active member at VFW post 3941 in Livonia .
12/01/2012: David Whitney
Ssgt Whitney served in Italy for eighteen years, before returning home this past June, serving as an E Flight recruiter in the Flint area, where he resides with his wife and two children.
12/07/2012: Ross Medos
Ross retired as Chief Petty officer, having served overseas in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Ross currently belongs to Bugles Across America and has Sounded TAPS at over 800 Military Funerals. Ross currently lives with wife Sandra and they are current Whalers season ticket holders.
12/08/2012: Mike Potrzebowski
Mike served in the army and was in active duty in Iraq from 2008-2009. Mike has been in the reserves in Ann Arbor since 2010, and is currently an assistant coach for a Mite A team in Canton.
Vet of the Game Interviews
During the first intermission of each Whalers home game, the Quicken Loans Veteran of the Game is interview by Whalers broadcaster Peter Krupsky. Visit the Quicken Loans Vet of the Game videos page to hear their stories!
