Local Veteran Honored As 2019 Disabled Veteran of the Year

Michael Stoyonovich of the Edmonson County DAV Chapter 32 holding his "2019 Disabled Veteran of the Year" plaque.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
While attending the Disabled American Veterans Department of Kentucky Commander's Ball and Awards Dinner at Annual Convention in Lexington, Kentucky, Michael Stoyonovich of the Edmonson County DAV Chapter 32 was chosen by the DAV Department of Kentucky State Executive Committee as "Disabled Veteran of the Year" for 2019. 

Michael was presented an engraved plaque and an engraved watch by DAV State Commander, Birchel Baker.
 
“As with any individual award there are so many people to thank for getting you there, I want to thank all the members at DAV Chapter 32 in Brownsville for supporting and nominating me and providing such a great facility in Brownsville for us to meet with veterans needing their VA benefits,” said Stoyonovich "We have met with over 2,000 veterans seeking their benefits in the last four years and VA has provided over $1.5 Million in annual compensation for veterans in Edmonson and surrounding counties due to Chapter 32, Brownsville's service work.”

During the convention, Michael Stoyonovich was also elected to be Junior Vice Commander and placed on the DAV Department of Kentucky, State Executive Committee. He will also be in a position now to be DAV State Commander in the near future. 

​“I was speechless when I was chosen Disabled Veteran of the Year and elected as DAV Department of Kentucky Junior Vice Commander at the same convention, said Stoyonovich. "There are so many to thank, but without the strength from our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the 100% support I have from my beautiful wife, Susan Donoghue, I could not be the veteran's advocate that I strife to be every day.” ​