A Big Honor for a Minnesota Soldier
New York City (KROC AM News) - A well-known Minnesota soldier will receive a big honor Saturday night.
Retired Major General Larry Shellito is one of the recipients of this year’s Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Shellito currently serves as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. He retired as the Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard in 2010 after 37 years of service.
Shellito is being recognized for helping build a national reputation for the Guard during his seven years in the leadership post. He was instrumental in establishing the "Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program” in Minnesota to reintegrate service members following deployments.
The award ceremony is scheduled Saturday evening on Ellis Island in New York.
According to the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations that oversees the awards program,” the medal recognizes individuals who have made it their mission to share their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity with those less fortunate; all while maintaining the traditions of their ethnic heritage as they uphold the ideals and spirit of America.”