A retired sergeant major of the United States Marine Corps was honored Wednesday for what he’s done since serving our country.
Sam Zurzolo was presented with the “16th District Community Champion Award” by U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly, of Butler.
The award is a quarterly citation issued by Kelly’s office to recognize and thank service-minded individuals for “selfless and significant contributions to their surrounding communities.”
“Sam has been a catalyst for improvement throughout the community, and his passion and dedication deserve praise,” Rep. Kelly said to a room full of local lawmakers, police officers, VA officials, veterans and community members during a ceremony at the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora. “He is a leader in the truest sense of the word.”
Zurzolo was surprised with the award, thinking he was at the event- in uniform- for a ceremony honoring vets.
“I’m astonished and at a loss for words,” Zurzolo said looking around, at times wiping away tears. “There are more deserving people than I am, but I honestly appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.”
Zurzolo was presented with an official plaque and certificate stating the flag had been flown over the U.S. Capitol building in his honor. A statement of congratulations to Zurzolo was also entered into the official congressional record.
Zurzolo is a current Butler Township commissioner and member of the planning commission, and sits on numerous volunteer boards and organizations.
“I do it from the heart. I was on my death bed at one time and I said ‘if I get better, I want to give back’,” Zurzolo said.
Rep. Kelly serves the 16th District, which includes about half of Butler County.
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