Blank, Micka earn awards from Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter, DAR

Staff reports
·2 min read

MONROE — Wayne Blank and Richard Micka of Monroe recently received Daughters of the American Revolution medals of honor from Monroe’s Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter.

“The medal is awarded to individuals who fulfill the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism,” the local chapter said.

Shown at the DAR medal of honor presentation are (from left): Wayne Blank, Marcia Fix, Susan Fortney and Phylis DeKiere, state chairperson for the medal of honor award.
Shown at the DAR medal of honor presentation are (from left): Wayne Blank, Marcia Fix, Susan Fortney and Phylis DeKiere, state chairperson for the medal of honor award.

Blank is a lifelong Monroe resident. A Monroe Public Schools graduate, he enrolled in the Air Force and served as a nuclear warhead technician. He earned an associate’s degree from Monroe County Community College. He worked for Consumers Energy and for 35 years for Alvan Motor Freight Co.

Since retiring, Blank has served in Monroe’s American Legion post, and he started the Ida American Legion Riders. He also is a member of Amvets of Monroe and other organizations, the Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter said. Blank also helps veterans with their military benefits.

He and his wife, Sandra, have been married for 46 years.

Shown at the DAR medal of honor presentation are (from left): Susan Fortney, Richard Micka, Marcia Fix and Phylis DeKiere, state chairperson for the medal of honor award.
Shown at the DAR medal of honor presentation are (from left): Susan Fortney, Richard Micka, Marcia Fix and Phylis DeKiere, state chairperson for the medal of honor award.

Micka also is a lifelong resident of Monroe and is married to Jeanne Micka, a member of the Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter, DAR. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Detroit. He served in the Air Force from 1961-68, earning the rank of captain.

From 1968–2004, Micka worked for La-Z-Boy Incorporated in Monroe. Since retiring as vice-president, he has been involved in conservation of natural resources, particularly wetland. He’s served on the Commission on the Environment and Water Quality for Monroe and is specifically interested in the River Raisin area. He’s also on the Board of Determination, Monroe County Drain Commission and is a trustee of the Monroe County Museum System.

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Micka’s interests are local history of the War of 1812, the Yankee Air Force Museum in Belleville and the Great Lakes Way from Port Huron to Toledo.

“He is often seen sharing the history of River Raisin Battlefield in full military uniform and gear of the time,” the Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter said.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Blank, Micka earn awards from Nancy DeGraff Toll Chapter, DAR