2020 GARY WETZEL AWARDS

Milwaukee Armed Forces Week is proud to honor the following for 2020.

Major Marcus Carlstrom, USMC, Inspector Instructor, Fox Company – (left in uniform) recipient of the 2020 Gary Wetzel Active Service Award,  and Capt. Matthew Johnson, USMC, Marine Officer Instructor, (right in uniform), Marquette University, accepting the 2020 Gary Wetzel Active Service Award for Gunnery Sgt. Zachary E. Gay, USMC.

Dr. Tom Buck, (far left), Civilian Chair, Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, and Capt. Tom Plantenberg, (far right), USN (Retired), President of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, presented the honors in late May.

The award is named after Gary Wetzel, who was a Private First Class serving as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down and the survivors, including Wetzel, came under heavy enemy fire. Despite devastating injuries, Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the threat thereby protecting and saving the lives of his crew and others. Wetzel survived his wounds, although his left arm had to be amputated. He was subsequently promoted to Specialist Four and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. This award is presented Monday night at the Armed Forces Week Banquet to members of one of our armed services who have served with valor while currently on active duty.  The award may also be give to a person who has been retired for two or fewer years.  One posthumous award has been given.

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From left to right: Sgt. Cody Wallace, USMC,  Sheboygan, Wisconsin
First Sgt. Jorge Cedeno-Tulloch, USMC, Long Island, New York
Dr. Thomas M. Buck, Civilian Chair, Milwaukee Armed Services Committee
Major Marcus Carlstrom, USMC, Inspector Instructor, Fox Company – RECIPIENT OF THE 2020 GARY WETZEL ACTIVE SERVICE AWARD
Capt. Thomas M. Plantenberg, USN (Retired), President of the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee
​Capt. Matthew Johnson, USMC, Marine Officer Instructor, Marquette University