[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 140 (Tuesday, August 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING JAMES A. PROVOST AS THE 2023 UPPER PENINSULA VETERAN OF THE 
                                  YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 29, 2023

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize James Provost 
for being named the 2023 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Through 
his continued service, charitable nature, and strong leadership, James 
has become an essential part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
  The U.P. Veteran of the Year is chosen annually by a selection 
committee consisting of past commanders of various service 
organizations throughout the peninsula. It is given to recognize Yooper 
veterans who go above and beyond in their service to their local 
communities and fellow veterans. None are more deserving of this honor 
than James. Prior to his work with veterans, James served in the United 
States Marine Corps, where he was decorated with the Good Conduct 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, 
Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and two Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit 
Citations. His devotion to the people of his country and community has 
not wavered since returning from military service.
  It is impossible to fully list all the ways in which James works to 
better the lives of U.P. veterans. Since the organization's founding in 
2014, he has been the Chairman of the Marquette County Veterans 
Alliance. Similarly, he has served on the Marquette County's Veterans 
Affairs Committee for the past 9 years. As a member of the committee, 
he works on the veterans crisis team, finding resources and housing for 
individuals in need. Furthermore, James has played a pivotal role in 
ensuring that veterans in the U.P. have consistent access to medical 
services. Through his fundraising efforts, he has helped the Disabled 
American Veterans Chapter 22 Veteran Transportation Program to purchase 
new vehicles and has personally logged thousands of hours transporting 
veterans to doctor appointments and hospital visits. Notably, in 2016 
James was responsible for the AVTT Traveling Vietnam Wall's arrival in 
Marquette. He organized many commemorative veterans events to coincide 
with the tribute. Since returning from the Vietnam War, James has spent 
years as an advocate for veterans, and the initiatives that he has 
begun have created the infrastructure of support that our military 
heroes need and deserve.
  Outside of his work for veterans, James is an active community 
member. After providing the loan to start the Marquette County Youth 
Football League in 1990, he became the league commissioner for the 
following 20 years. In addition, he coached Marquette Junior Hockey for 
12 years, serving twice as Vice President. Later, he founded the 
Central Upper Peninsula Hockey League and served as both Marquette 
Senior High School and Northern Michigan University's Goal Judge for 
over two decades. His contributions to his community have been 
previously recognized by Senator Peters, Senator Stabenow, Governor 
Whitmer, and myself. Just last year, he was also honored as the 2022 
Marquette County Veteran of the Year. As a servicemember, a veteran, a 
volunteer, and a Yooper, James has consistently put the needs of others 
before his own.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to congratulate James A. Provost for his 
decades of service to fellow Michigan veterans and for being named the 
2023 Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. Michiganders can take great 
pride in knowing the First District is home to such a selfless and 
devoted individual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish James all the 
best in his future endeavors.

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