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Luzerne County man first to receive Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal

Times Leader - 2/28/2019

Feb. 28-- Feb. 28--WILKES-BARRE -- Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Paul Karpovich of Luzerne County was recently presented with the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal at Fort Indiantown Gap -- the first soldier to ever receive this award.

The medal was presented by the Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Major General Anthony J. Carrelli, during a ceremony in December.

The Pennsylvania Veterans Service Award was authorized by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017. The award recognizes individual achievements in support of Pennsylvania veterans.

"I was totally honored to be selected as the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal," Karpovich said.

Karpovich is the son of Anthony and Nancy Karpovich of Hanover Township. He currently resides in Hunlock Creek with his wife Tavelynn and their two children, Georgia, 18, and Hailey, 15.

Karpovich said he got involved with the AMVETS, American Legion, Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Committee, and NEPA Veterans Multi-Care Alliance because a veteran asked him.

"I saw what these organizations do for their fellow members, as well as how they give back to the community," Karpovich said. "I wanted to be a part of that and help make a difference."

Karpovich said he feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know World War II and Korean War veterans because of his involvement in the veterans organizations. He said he has connected with the veterans community and feels he is a better person for it.

"My wife, children, and family always support me and understand when I take time away to attend meetings," Karpovich said. "They also attend many veterans events with me. My wife, children, and parents were able to be there and witness me being presented the medal. I am honored to be able to serve the veterans of our community."

Active in 109th Field Artillery

Karpovich said he developed many relationships and became involved with multiple veterans service organizations while assigned to the 109th Field Artillery in Wilkes-Barre. Even though his military service would find him stationed outside the Wyoming Valley, he maintained his commitment to the veterans in his community and beyond.

Karpovich is currently stationed at Fort Indiantown Gap, where he serves as the Joint Force Headquarters, G1 Operations Sergeant.

Karpovich has been an active member of the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Committee for 19 years, is a life member of AMVETS Post 59 in Hanover Township, member of American Legion Post 395 in Kingston for 18 years, serves on the board of directors for the Northeastern PA Veterans Multi-Care Alliance, and is a member of the Honorary First Defenders in Allentown.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.

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