thedrifter
03-22-09, 09:05 AM
March 22, 2009
Welcome hero
Since 2000 the population of Marion County has dropped 1.5 percent. That's not a big change over that period of time.
Still, today we are excited about the addition of just one new resident to Marion.
Mike Bisch lives in Waldo with his new wife Kasey, works at Liberty Casting and is a genuine American Hero.
Lance Cpl. Bisch, as he was known when he served in the Marines, was deployed to war zones three times during his four year hitch.
On Thursday, Bisch's former platoon commander, Lt. Tom Lefebvre was in Marion to present Bisch with the Bronze Star with a Combat V for his actions taken in Afghanistan as a machine gunman.
"He represents the American spirit," Lefebvre said.
"He did not hesitate to risk his life." Lefebvre described one instance of Bisch's valor came when he placed his tank between insurgent fighters and exposed Marines to act as a shield.
The Combat V indicates that the star was awarded for an act of heroism or valor in combat and the award is one of the highest that is awarded by the Marine Corps. The award begins as a peer nomination and then goes through the chain of command.
They don't give out a lot of Bronze Stars.
During his presentation, Lefebvre said it is often said that out of 100 Marines, there are 90 who only do what they must, nine who are brave and go beyond the call of duty and one who is the warrior. Bisch, he said, was that warrior.
We thank Lance Cpl. Bisch for his service to his country and for his heroism. But we also extend thanks to his wife Kasey, who is from Marion and brought her hero husband back to live with us.
Congratulations and thank you to you both. We're glad to have you with us.
Ellie
Welcome hero
Since 2000 the population of Marion County has dropped 1.5 percent. That's not a big change over that period of time.
Still, today we are excited about the addition of just one new resident to Marion.
Mike Bisch lives in Waldo with his new wife Kasey, works at Liberty Casting and is a genuine American Hero.
Lance Cpl. Bisch, as he was known when he served in the Marines, was deployed to war zones three times during his four year hitch.
On Thursday, Bisch's former platoon commander, Lt. Tom Lefebvre was in Marion to present Bisch with the Bronze Star with a Combat V for his actions taken in Afghanistan as a machine gunman.
"He represents the American spirit," Lefebvre said.
"He did not hesitate to risk his life." Lefebvre described one instance of Bisch's valor came when he placed his tank between insurgent fighters and exposed Marines to act as a shield.
The Combat V indicates that the star was awarded for an act of heroism or valor in combat and the award is one of the highest that is awarded by the Marine Corps. The award begins as a peer nomination and then goes through the chain of command.
They don't give out a lot of Bronze Stars.
During his presentation, Lefebvre said it is often said that out of 100 Marines, there are 90 who only do what they must, nine who are brave and go beyond the call of duty and one who is the warrior. Bisch, he said, was that warrior.
We thank Lance Cpl. Bisch for his service to his country and for his heroism. But we also extend thanks to his wife Kasey, who is from Marion and brought her hero husband back to live with us.
Congratulations and thank you to you both. We're glad to have you with us.
Ellie