Our Heroes

Pfc. Evo Peter Santoni

Pfc. Evo Peter Santoni of the United States Army served from 1943 to 1945 in the renowned 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper. His bravery, perseverance, and dedication during one of the most tumultuous times in history has etched his name into the annals of military valor.

Pfc. Santoni participated in some of the most pivotal and fiercely contested battles of World War II. He made courageous jumps into the battles of Normandy on D-Day, the Ardennes, the Belgian Bulge, and the Rhineland. His paratroop wings are adorned with two stars, symbolizing his invasion jumps into Normandy and the Rhineland.

Pfc. Santoni's bravery came at great personal cost. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received in the Battle of Ardennes and the Rhineland. In January 1945, he suffered a shrapnel injury in Belgium. In March 1945, during intense combat in Wesel, Germany, he narrowly escaped death when the tank he stood upon was hit repeatedly by German artillery, causing it to catch fire. The explosion threw him several feet from the tank, leaving him with burns on his chest, face, and eyes.

Among his many commendable actions, Pfc. Santoni was part of the group that successfully captured a German diplomat, an achievement that underscores his courage and tactical skill. For their outstanding performance on D-Day, his unit received the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, highlighting their extraordinary heroism and gallantry.

Following his military service, Pfc. Santoni continued to serve his country and community. From 1950 to 1959, he worked as a carpenter at the Iron Mountain VA hospital, contributing to the well-being of veterans and supporting the institution with his skills.

His unwavering bravery in the face of unimaginable dangers and dedication to serving both his country and community exemplify the highest standards of heroism and service. It is with deep respect and immense pride that we inducted Pfc. Evo Peter Santoni into the Hall of Heroes.

Master Sgt. Joseph Bunij, Jr.

Master Sergeant Joseph Bunij, Jr. served our country with unwavering valor and dedication in the United States Army from 1964 to 1984. He was an extraordinary individual whose courage, dedication, and remarkable service to our nation earned him a place of honor among the finest. 

Master Sergeant Bunij’s service record is a testament to his exemplary leadership and heroism under fire. He is the recipient of multiple Bronze Stars with V-Devices, each a story of gallantry and sacrifice.

In April 1967, during Operation Junction City, Sergeant Bunij's brigade command post came under heavy enemy mortar attack. Acting as the liaison Noncommissioned Officer in Charge in the Fire Direction Center, he was wounded in both legs from the initial mortar rounds. Despite his severe injuries and with complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Bunij understood the critical need for immediate counter-mortar fire. Crawling back to the radio, he directed counter-mortar fire on the enemy positions, which undoubtedly saved many lives. For these exceptionally valorous actions, he received his first  Bronze Star with V-Device and a Purple Heart.

In February 1968, SGT Bunij distinguished himself by heroic action while serving as a light weapons advisor. During an intense engagement with an estimated enemy battalion, his unit came under extremely intense mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire from a well-entrenched enemy. With no thought for his own safety, Sergeant Bunij rallied the Vietnamese elements to establish a rear guard. Exposed to intense hostile fire, he directed friendly firepower and encouraged the rear guard to hold their position, enabling the element to withdraw in an orderly manner. This heroic action earned him his Second Bronze Star with V-Device.

In August 1968, his continued bravery and sacrifice were recognized again with a Bronze Star with V-Device and another Purple Heart. While we were unable to obtain the specific details of this award, we know that his valor and selflessness matched his previous awards. 

Master Sergeant Bunij's exceptional service also earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, highlighting his dedication and outstanding contributions to the Army.

Master Sergeant Joseph Bunij, Jr., his unwavering bravery in the face of danger, his leadership, and commitment to duty have left an indelible mark on the history of our nation and the lives of those you served alongside. It is with profound respect and gratitude that we induct Master Sergeant Joseph Bunij, Jr. into the Hall of Heroes.

Sgt. Michael Dugas

Sergeant Michael Dugas is a proud United States Army veteran who served from 1968 to 1970, including a distinguished tour in Vietnam.

Sergeant Dugas's service is marked by extraordinary acts of valor and courage. He is a recipient of two Bronze Stars with V-Devices, recognizing his acts of heroism and self-sacrifice during combat.

In June 1969, while conducting a search and destroy operation, PFC Dugas's unit was ambushed by an unknown enemy force. Without hesitation, he exposed himself to intense enemy fire, allowing the wounded to be safely evacuated and personally assisting in their rescue. Demonstrating remarkable bravery, he volunteered to lead the point positions, detecting enemy activity and preventing further casualties.

Just a few months later, in September 1969, Specialist Dugas once again distinguished himself. Acting as Platoon Sergeant during another search and destroy mission, his unit came under heavy enemy fire. Taking command, Specialist Dugas skillfully deployed his platoon and moved under fire to direct their efforts. When a fellow soldier was wounded and exposed to enemy fire, Specialist Dugas organized a rescue team and heroically braved the fire to save his comrade.

Beyond his military service, Sergeant Dugas has continued to serve his community and fellow veterans. A dedicated member of the American Legion for over 35 years, he has served on the Honor Guard for more than two decades, rendering colors at over 250 funerals with unwavering respect and honor. He is also a charter member of the Vietnam Veterans of Alger County and the Committee Chair for the Alger County All Veterans Memorial.

In recognition of his steadfast dedication, Sergeant Dugas was named the 2023 Alger County Veteran of the Year.

It is with heartfelt gratitude and immense respect that we welcome Sergeant Dugas into the Hall of Heroes.

Cpl. Tracey Tippett

Corporal Tracey Tippett is a decorated United States Marine who served from 1987 to 1991 as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Her military service is just the beginning of a long journey marked by selflessness and devotion to others.

Throughout the years, Tracey has continuously demonstrated her commitment to both her community and fellow veterans. She has been a pillar of support, volunteering with numerous esteemed organizations: the Annual Toys for Tots drive, the Jacobetti Veterans Home, the Marquette County Veterans Alliance, the American Legion, and as an Honor Guard member. These contributions are a testament to her character and the depth of her dedication.

Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Tracey's exemplary service was further acknowledged when she was named Marquette County Veteran of the Year and the State of Michigan Veteran of the Year in 2021. In 2022, she was recognized as the Central Division Marine of the Year and made history as the first female Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year. In 2024, her legacy was immortalized with her induction into the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. In 2025, Tracey was honored as the Michigan Marine of the Year.

Tracey's husband, in nominating her for this prestigious honor, wrote: "Tracey is a stupendous multi-tasker, making sure her family is taken care of, and her second family—the Veterans—that everything she can possibly do to help or assist, is taken care of and accomplished.” This sentiment captures the very essence of Tracey's spirit and dedication.

We commemorate Corporal Tracey Tippett not only for her extraordinary service in the Marine Corps but also for her relentless effort to support and uplift the veterans and community around her. 

It is with the utmost respect and gratitude that we induct Corporal Tippett into the Hall of Heroes.