Chelsea State Bank ad

93-year-old Dick Kinsey awarded Bronze Star at surprise ceremony

Dick Kinsey, 93, is awarded a Bronze Star by Major General Greg Vadnais at a surprise ceremony planned by his son, Rich Kinsey.

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.

The WWII uniform worn by Dick Kinsey.

“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.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

1 thought on “93-year-old Dick Kinsey awarded Bronze Star at surprise ceremony”

  1. 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

Comments are closed.

More News

Legislation to help senior citizens heads to the governor’s desk

September 28, 2012

Need a place for your group to meet or want a tour of the new police building?

September 28, 2012

Judge grants ‘show cause’ hearing on Sylvan Township millage recount

September 27, 2012

CAFA begins presentations with renewal of 1.8 mill tax levy on the line

September 27, 2012

Oct. 9: Last day to register to vote for November election

September 27, 2012

Learn how you can help preserve old barns and farmsteads

September 27, 2012

East Middle Street closed Saturday for Paint Chelsea Pink activities

September 27, 2012

Your Beach Middle School football results from Tuesday, Sept. 25

September 27, 2012

Tickets on sale for Chelsea Chamber banquet on Oct. 25

September 27, 2012

52nd District Democratic candidate meet and greet at Ellie’s on Oct. 3

September 27, 2012

Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office looking for information

September 26, 2012

Chelsea council unanimously OK’s later trick or treat hours

September 26, 2012

Update on delivery of new WWRA recycling bins

September 26, 2012

Top Dog of Chelsea contest set to begin Thursday

September 26, 2012

Chelsea District Library looking for an at-large trustee for board

September 26, 2012

Community Kitchen wine tasting fundraiser planned on Oct. 11

September 26, 2012

School board unanimously approves bond refinancing

September 25, 2012

Update on the M-52 construction project

September 25, 2012

Still time to order a commemorative brick before Veterans Day

September 25, 2012

Harvest Art Market planned Oct. 6 at Silver Maples of Chelsea

September 25, 2012

Will you help Paint Chelsea Pink on Saturday?

September 24, 2012