The power of social media knows no bounds, and it’s been proven once again with an amazing story right here in St. Clair County. Three to four years ago, a community member from Marine City was driving on Short Road and noticed some items in a wooden box, including a purple heart with the name “William H. Upton” along with other military ribbons and medals.
The box remained in the man’s basement until he recently brought it to the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs in hopes the department could reach out further to the community to find the veteran, veteran’s family or next living relative.
According to Nancy Deising, Outreach Coordinator for the Veterans Affairs office, they “decided to use the power of social media to get the word out with what little was had about the veteran other than his name.”
Within 3-hours, the daughter of the veteran was found. After talking on Facebook, the precious items are set to be returned to the family this week.
Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.
