Choze Powell

As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend, many who have lost family and friends in service to their country will reflect on their lives. Air Force Brigadier General Jim Demarest lost his friend in 1991, and he is on a mission have the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to that airman, Captain Steve Phillis.

“The Medal of Honor recognizes those who go above and beyond the call of duty with conspicuous gallantry at the risk of life such that they clearly distinguish themselves from their comrades,” said Demarest as he shared the story of Captain Phillis’s heroic last acts.

Captain Phillis made a decision during a combat mission in Iraq to draw fire away from one of his fallen comrades who was parachuting away from his downed aircraft. That decision saved 1st Lt. Rob Sweet’s life, but cost Phillis his own.

Captain Phillis received the Silver Star for his actions, but General Demarest and others believe he deserves further recognition with the Medal of Honor.

To hear General Demarest tell the story of Captain Phillis’s heroic acts, listen to LIMElight on Memorial Day on WGRT.com or by downloading LIMElight with Jessie on your favorite podcast app.

You can also read the story in Air Force Magazine here:

Above and Beyond: The Fight to Upgrade One Airman’s Silver Star

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

The United Way of St. Clair County held their annual meeting on May 19th, and they recognized several local people with awards.

Katheryn Baker was presented with the Thomas D. Melms Award for the way she advocates for the United Way in the community and supports fundraising efforts, programs, and services.

Brent Gillette, United Way Executive Director, said, “She looks beyond herself and her organization to assure all United Way Affiliated Organizations are receiving the necessary support.”

 

Cathy Mills was recognized as 2021 Volunteer of the Year for her ongoing commitment to the local community and her willingness to lend a helping hand.

Michelle Shepley, TCF’s Port Huron Community President and Regional Sales Manager, said, “Cathy is dedicated to the improvement of our Community and is very passionate about the organizations she is involved with; this is evident whenever you see her volunteering for an event.  I am proud to have Cathy as a colleague and friend; her caring spirit is contagious!”

 

Jennifer Posey was recognized as the 2020 Campaign Champion for her involvement in the annual United Way campaign.

Marc Simone,  United Way Campaign Chairperson, said, “Jennie’s passion is an outstanding representation of our vision of a Community Campaign, because she’s always willing to help others when she can.  She is outgoing and has a contagious personality.”

 

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

May has been proclaimed Foster Care Month in the state of Michigan, and Governor Whitmer wants to increase awareness about the importance of foster families who care for children in state custody.

“Every child deserves to have an adult in their life who is their champion and a home where they feel safe and secure,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Parenting isn’t easy, and sometimes families need extra support. Foster parenting is one of the most selfless things you can do, and I am so grateful for the Michiganders who have stepped up to provide loving homes for children who need them.”

There are about 11,500 children in Michigan’s foster care system, and the state’s goals include providing a safe, stable environment for children in their own communities. They also aim to keep sibling groups together.

In order to achieve those goals, there needs to be an adequate number of foster homes available.

Those interested in exploring foster parenting can visit the state’s website at www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome

or attend a free ice cream social at Lakeport Wesleyan Church on June 10th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM sponsored by MDHHS and ENNIS Center for Children, Inc.

There is also a virtual event monthly called Foster Care Myth Busting available through the ENNIS Center on Zoom here:

https://fb.me/e/2lShDAyL9

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

 

 

Effective June 1, 2021, the St. Clair County Health Department will be moving COVID-19 vaccinations and testing appointments back to the Health Department Main Office located at 3415 28^th Street, Port Huron and Teen Health location, 2215 Court Street, Port Huron.

Beginning Monday, May 24 appointments can be self-scheduled at the Main Office location via www.scchealth.co or by calling the Health Department (810) 987-5300 or the COVID-19 Informational Hotline (810) 966-4163. Vaccine selections will include Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.

For appointments at the Teen Health location call (810) 987-1311.

COVID-19 Vaccination appointments will be offered:

• Monday through Thursday at the Main Office (ages 12 and older) and Teen Health location (ages 12-21)

COVID-19 Testing appointments will be offered:

• Monday through Friday at both locations

Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer for the St. Clair County Health Department stated, “We felt June 1 was the appropriate time to move these services back to the Health Department. We have been at our Marysville testing and vaccine clinic locations for months, and as the demand changes we can now provide these appointments at our own facility.”

Another change taking place on Friday, May 21 will be the end to our online pre-registration system. Mercatante explained, “The pre-registration system (Everbridge) is not needed as it once was. Over 30,000 individuals used that system and though not perfect, it helped meet the public’s need/demand when the vaccine roll-out was at its peak. We are shifting to an online, self-scheduling appointment system which will be available on our website or people can call to make an appointment.”

This is a rapidly evolving situation. Email COVID-19 questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org or call the informational hotline (810) 966-4163. Visit the website www.scchealth.co and follow us on social media @scchdmi.

Submitted by St. Clair county Health Department