Local Vet and DAV Advocate Awarded Citation of Valor

Mike Stoyonovich reacts as he is awarded a Citation of Valor at a recent KY House meeting. (photo: Rep. Aull's newsletter)

Edmonson Voice Report:
Local veteran and DAV advocate Mike Stoyonovich was surprised as he was presented a Citation of Valor at a recent​meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection (VMAPP) with state representatives (D79) Chad Aull and (D19) Michael Meredith.

"Michael has spent a lifetime serving our country, our veterans, and his community," said Rep. Aull in a released newsletter.

"He served in the United States Army during Vietnam, Operation Noble Eagle, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He's worked through Disabled American Veterans to help Kentucky veterans and their families receive the benefits they've earned, securing more than $2 million in permanent annual. He also helped develop legislation that became House Bill 30 in 2024, expanding access to free counseling for Kentucky veterans and their families, and has done extensive work in his local community of Edmonson County."

"People like Michael are the reason I am so proud to be a Kentuckian," Rep. Aull stated.

Stoyonovich said he was not aware of the award before he received it.

​"This award was a total surprise as I got a phone call to appear before the Veterans, Military Affairs, Personal Protection Joint Legislative Committee," Stoyonovich said. "Being able to see all my brothers and sisters who are the best veterans advocates the Commonwealth has to offer made that day great. Thank you Representative Meredith and Representative Aull and the VMAPP Committee for this award."

Stoyonovich and his wife live in Brownsville and he is a state service officer for the DAV.