Steil Presents Veteran of the Year Award to Janesville Vietnam War Veteran Al Pacheco
Janesville, WI (November 7, 2023) - Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) yesterday presented Janesville veteran Sergeant Al Pacheco with the First Congressional District’s 2023 Veteran of the Year Award.
Sergeant Pacheco served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Upon deployment, he was handpicked to serve in an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). During a convoy into Saigon, a bomb detonated beneath his APC. Despite being thrown out of the vehicle and losing consciousness, when Sgt. Pacheco awoke to heavy fire, he continued his fight against the enemy, disregarding his personal safety. For his sacrifices, Sgt. Pacheco was presented with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor.
Sgt. Pacheco’s commitment to service and his fellow veterans has continued after his time in the military. He is widely recognized as a force for good in the veteran community where he dedicates his time to many veteran focused organizations. Sgt. Pacheco has made it his life's mission to be a soldier's solider - someone who any veteran can lean on at any time.
"Sergeant Pacheco’s devotion to duty and country is unparalleled, and it was my honor to present him with the Veteran of the Year Award,” said Steil. “I know I speak for our entire community when I say thank you, Al, for your tremendous service to our country.”
NOTE: The recipient of this award was nominated by local Wisconsin citizens and selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Veterans Advisory Board.
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