Red, White & You: Honoring Michigan’s Military Heroes

Michigan has a storied tradition of military service, with countless individuals dedicating their lives to protecting our nation. While words can't fully capture the immense gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women, Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to highlight a few remarkable veterans and active-duty military members from our state. Read about their stories below, and if you know a military hero who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you! Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll take care of the rest.

1. John Ruselowski

At age 91, Korean War veteran John Ruselowski was honored as the first Veteran of the Game for the 2024 Michigan Football season. He served in the U.S. Far East Signal Corps and played a key role in Operation Big Switch, helping repatriate nearly 13,000 prisoners of war. At a packed tailgate and on-field ceremony at Michigan Stadium, Ruselowski was celebrated by cheerleaders, ROTC members and the Harbaugh family, and received standing ovations from over 110,000 fans. His story is part of a larger effort to recognize veterans at every Michigan home game. Read more here.

2. Lt. Col. Diane Mills

Retired United States Air Force Lt. Col. Diane Mills was honored as the June Hometown Hero at the Cheboygan County Memorial Day ceremony on May 30. Originally from Oxford, Michigan, Mills enlisted in the Air Force after high school and served for 27 years, including flying over 400 combat missions and logging over 4,000 hours in the Airborne Warning and Surveillance Aircraft System. She survived the 9/11 attacks while stationed at the Pentagon and retired in 2003. Since moving to Cheboygan, she has been deeply involved in her community, serving on the city council, participating in local veterans organizations, and volunteering with various civic groups. Mills' award reflects her ongoing contributions to both her country and her community. Read more here.

3. Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson (1921-2022)

Lt. Col. Alexander Jefferson, a Tuskegee Airman and WWII veteran, was born and raised in Detroit and trained in Alabama, where he graduated from Tuskegee Army Air Field in 1944. He flew 18 missions as a P-51 fighter pilot with the famed Red Tails before being shot down and held as a POW in Poland for eight months. After the war, he became a science teacher and assistant principal in Detroit, co-founded the Detroit Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen and spent decades inspiring youth. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Congressional Gold Medal, and on his 100th birthday in 2021, Detroit rededicated Jefferson Field and announced plans for a statue and plaza in his name. Jefferson passed away the following year and is remembered as a war hero, educator and pillar of his community. Read more here.

4. LeRoy 'Buddy' Ormsbee

A veteran of both the U.S. Air Force and Army National Guard, LeRoy “Buddy” Ormsbee was recently honored as Cheboygan County’s Hometown Hero for April. He has served the Cheboygan community for over 50 years through ministry work and more than 40 years with the local Kiwanis, where he held the role of Lt. Governor twice. Ormsbee also founded a handicap horseback riding program, spent over three decades on the Cheboygan Fair Board and has been a longtime volunteer with 4-H and youth livestock programs. His continued dedication to service both in and out of uniform makes him a true pillar of his Michigan hometown. Read more here.

5. Cpl. Ron Warhurst

Cpl. Ron Warhurst, a Vietnam veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient, served as a Marine Corps corporal before beginning a storied 36-year coaching career at the University of Michigan. As head cross country coach and later track and field coach, Warhurst led the Wolverines to eight Big Ten titles, mentored 79 Big Ten champions and helped 12 athletes reach the Olympics. His leadership was shaped by his military service, where he learned that shared responsibility and teamwork are critical to success. Named the 2008 Big Ten and Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year, Warhurst was inducted into the Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor in 2023. His legacy lives on through his athletes and the continued success of the program under his protégé, Kevin Sullivan. Read more here.

Do you know a veteran or active military member who deserves recognition? We’d love to hear their story! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured on Patch!