Congressman Raul Ruiz honors local veterans with service medals

The office of local Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz honored two local veterans by bestowing them their earned service medals.

Navy veteran Mike Mrsny served for 30 years. He was honored with the Bronze Star Service Medal which is the nation's fourth-highest award given to service members.

"Mixed feelings you know. Part of you says you don't deserve it and part of you says, you know, thanks for bringing it out," said Mrsny. "It's nice to get the recognition. I think the troops deserve it more than me, but that's the nature of the beast."

Mrsny never received the medal while in service. He deployed to Japan, Spain, and the Bahamas.

Army veteran James Wiskus served in Vietnam. He was reunited with his medals of distinguished service after they were lost for years.

"My son goes, 'Dad, whatever happened to your medals? We got pictures and stuff, but nothing.' And I go well, we'll look at it and see," said Wiskus. "And then I found out that Congressman Ruiz was very active in veterans affairs and stuff."

Close family members and friends who were also veterans came to show their support for both Wiskus and Mrsny.

"To see the different uniforms, the Navy uniforms and stuff like that- Very appreciative," said Wiskus. "I really appreciate it because, you know, we're all brothers in one."

The Congressman's office works with veterans by making sure they receive any service medals they've earned.

"You know a medal isn't just an object. The medal is a symbol of their heroism that will be carried for future generations," said Ruiz. "It also brings healing to families in recognition, of closing a chapter of that book."