Medway's Veterans Day ceremony will take place on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Medway Parks and Recreation (the former VFW) at 123 Holliston St.

This year's guest speaker will be Jim "Doc" McCloughan.

Born in South Haven, Michigan, McCloughan was raised in the rural area of Bangor, MI. He graduated from Olivet College in 1968 with a BA in Sociology. Drafted into the United States Army in 1968, Jim served as a combat medic with the American Division where he rose to the rank of Specialist Five. In one battle alone "Doc" McCloughan has been credited with moving into the "kill zone" on 10 occasions, saving 10 American lives and one Vietnamese interpreter's life.

Specialist McCloughan was highly decorated receiving the Combat Medic Badge, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with "V" device for valor, the U.S. Army Valorous Unit Citation, the Nation Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Battle Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palms and one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the M16 Expert Rifle Badge. In 2017, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military commendations.

In 1970, upon returning home from service to our country, McCloughan resumed his contract with South Haven Public Schools, where he was the founder of the South Haven chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 1972, he earned an MA in counseling. Remaining with South Haven High School for 38 years, he taught psychology and sociology while coaching football, wrestling, baseball, and American Leion Baseball. As a MHSAA wrestling official, he was selected to referee 18 MI Wrestling State Finals. He has been inducted into three athletic halls of fame, plus the MI High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the MI High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, the MI Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the MI High School Coaches Hall of Fame which represents coaches for all boys' and girls' sports. In June 2019, Jim was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

McCloughan has also received a few other prestigious awards including the Wolverine Conference Distinguished Service Award, the Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Award, the Olivet College Leadership Award, National DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal, the Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, 2017 MI Fitness Foundation Governor's Award - Veteran of the Year, the Peaceful Warrior's Foundation Military and Career Service Award. In 2017, he was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.

Since retirement, McCloughan has remained dedicated to this community and the nation, as a member of non-profit organizations, servicing multiple charitable projects, assuming roles on boards and performing as a vocalist, and representing the Medal of Honor Society.

McCloughan will also speak at Medway High School on Nov. 12.

Source: www.medwayma.gov