When 93-year-old Dick Kinsey was brought downstairs at Silver Maples of Chelsea on Aug. 30, there was a huge crowd and big surprise awaiting him.
The Garden Room was filled with family and friends as well as numerous military and law enforcement personnel.
His son, Rich Kinsey, wasn’t quite sure if his dad would be happy or mad about the surprise he’d planned with help from his godsons Capt. Richard Sands and 1st Lt. Anthony Sands, and their father, Lt. Col. Tom Sands, deputy director of the Michigan State Police.
Those in the audience who knew Dick Kinsey well weren’t quite sure what his reaction might be, either.
The surprised look and then the smile on his face as he saw all the people ended the suspense.
“This all started when Richie Sands told me my dad would be eligible for the Bronze Star at the Sands Family Deer Camp,” Rich Kinsey said.
So with Rich Kinsey’s blessing, his godsons got to work on the project.
Dick Kinsey was wounded on Aug. 17, 1944 while fighting in WWII, and although he was awarded a Purple Heart during the war, his records had burned in a Veteran’s Administration fire and he’d never received the Bronze Star, another medal to which he was entitled for his heroic efforts overseas.
The Bronze Star Medal, unofficially the Bronze Star, is a United States decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone, according to information about the honor.
Major General Greg Vadnais, the Adjutant General, Michigan and the Director of Military and Veterans Affairs for Michigan, presided over the surprise medal ceremony. The major general also commands and directs the Michigan Army and Air National Guard.
“Congratulations, soldier,” Vadnais said, pointing to the American flag in the room, “That flag is still flying because of you and your fellow soldiers during WWII. From myself and a grateful nation, thank you.”
And it turns out, Dick Kinsey was not only surprised but also happy about all the fuss that was made over him. He proudly wore the Bronze Star that had been pinned to his chest while holding an officer’s coin also known as a “Challenge Coin” that was also given to him by the major general. (The challenge coins pass between military units or police agencies as a Thank You for something you have done.)
Along with family and friends at the ceremony were Chelsea Police Chief Ed Toth and Chelsea Police Officers Dori Blackford (the first female Chelsea officer and Sgt. Rich Kinsey’s partner), Rick Cornell, Brian Schneider, and John Dettling.
Dick Kinsey is my late mother’s first cousin. Dick’s dad Pete and my grandfather left UK around 1900, their father having “left them the world to make their living in”. 44 years later Pete’s youngest son Dick arrived at my parent’s home in Stockport Cheshire while recovering from his battle with Mr Hitler following the D Day Landings. Not until my wife and I visited Dick and his family for the first time 7 years ago did I discover that Dick was my godfather! His visit on a week end pass coincided with my birth on 1st November 1944.
I am so proud of Dick, his smiles and generosity of heart. Well done Dick – you’re a very special person.
Love from the Kinsey offspring in “the Old Country” and please keep fit I’ll be over in June 2018 – you can start counting the days.
Big hugs, Frank