Rochester Reporter

Presents family members with wartime commendations

(Rochester, NY)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle was at the American Legion’s Rayson-Miller Post 899 to present the family of the late U.S. Navy veteran George Tiuch with the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal earned during his service in Vietnam.

“We demonstrate gratitude for our nation’s veterans through action, not words,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “It is my honor to present the family of George Tiuch with the awards and commendations he rightfully earned. I hope these medals will serve as well-deserved symbols of pride: of who he was, of what he accomplished, and of our country’s lasting appreciation.”

George Tiuch served in the United States Navy from 1963-1967 during the Vietnam War. Sadly, while there he was exposed to the deadly Agent Orange, which would eventually take his life in 2015. Today, Congressman Morelle was honored to posthumously award George Tiuch with two medals in honor of his courageous service, which have been presented to his surviving family:

The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal was created in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, this medal is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who participated in U.S. military operations, U.S. operations in direct support of the United Nations, or U.S. operations of assistance for friendly foreign nations.

The National Defense Service Medal was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. It is awarded to every member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has served during any one of four specified periods of armed conflict.

Congress recently passed The PACT Act extending benefits to veterans exposed to toxins such as Agent Orange. Visit the VA’s webpage for more information.

Original source can be found here.