Bilirakis Presents Military Service Medals to New Port Richey Resident
August 22, 2007
WASHINGTON (23 Aug.) -- U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) today presented the Bronze Star Medal, along with a host of other service medals, to New Port Richey resident, Mr. Nick Kostinko, who served as part of the U.S. Army's 830th Air Engineer Squadron from 1942 to 1952.
"Nick Kostinko represents our greatest generation and the reason for the freedom and prosperity enjoyed by the many American generations that have since followed," said Bilirakis, who assisted Kostinko's family in the award process. "On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District and this great Nation, I cannot think of anything more rewarding than recognizing this veteran for his brave service to this country during World War II and the Korea War."
In addition to the Bronze Star, Congressman Bilirakis was also instrumental in helping Mr. Kostinko get the following service medals: Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-American-Middle Eastern Campaign with 3 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button - WWII, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.
The service medals were presented during a monthly meeting of Congressman Bilirakis's Veterans' Advisory Committee. "We all were honored to be a part of today's ceremony," said Committee Chairperson Frank Chicollo of Oldsmar, Fla. "After seeing Mr. Kostinko's accomplished service to this nation, it was only right that he receive these awards."
The Congressman's Veterans' Advisory Committee is comprised of local veterans from all three counties in the 9th Congressional District. This group meets regularly with the Congressman and his staff to discuss a myriad of veterans' issues and to provide guidance and ideas for legislative initiatives and events.
For more information about the Veterans' Advisory Board or any veterans-related issues, please contact Congressman Bilirakis's Palm Harbor District Office at (727) 773-2871.
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"Nick Kostinko represents our greatest generation and the reason for the freedom and prosperity enjoyed by the many American generations that have since followed," said Bilirakis, who assisted Kostinko's family in the award process. "On behalf of the residents of the 9th Congressional District and this great Nation, I cannot think of anything more rewarding than recognizing this veteran for his brave service to this country during World War II and the Korea War."
In addition to the Bronze Star, Congressman Bilirakis was also instrumental in helping Mr. Kostinko get the following service medals: Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-American-Middle Eastern Campaign with 3 Bronze Service Star, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan clasp, National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button - WWII, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar.
The service medals were presented during a monthly meeting of Congressman Bilirakis's Veterans' Advisory Committee. "We all were honored to be a part of today's ceremony," said Committee Chairperson Frank Chicollo of Oldsmar, Fla. "After seeing Mr. Kostinko's accomplished service to this nation, it was only right that he receive these awards."
The Congressman's Veterans' Advisory Committee is comprised of local veterans from all three counties in the 9th Congressional District. This group meets regularly with the Congressman and his staff to discuss a myriad of veterans' issues and to provide guidance and ideas for legislative initiatives and events.
For more information about the Veterans' Advisory Board or any veterans-related issues, please contact Congressman Bilirakis's Palm Harbor District Office at (727) 773-2871.
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