INSIDE NOVA

U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday presented the widow of retired Army Sgt. First Class Michael R. Spears — a Madison County resident and longtime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, or VFW, Post 1503 in Dale City — with the medals he earned for his service, including the Bronze Star.

During the Vietnam War, Sgt. Spears served as a soldier in Charlie Company in the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal, according to a news release from Spanberger’s office. After returning home, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring as a sergeant first class. He died in 2021.

According to the release, Spanberger’s office worked with the Department of Defense to secure the medals and awards Spears earned during his service. During a medal commemoration ceremony hosted by VFW Post 1503, the congresswoman presented Spears’ widow with his awards and full military records.

“Sergeant Spears encapsulated the best of who we are as a nation, having stepped up to serve with incredible courage, integrity, and honor,” Spanberger said in the release. “I’m grateful to Sergeant Spears’s wife, Judith, for getting in touch with my office and for making sure the Spears family received the medals and recognition her husband deserves. I was honored to be able to deliver these physical reminders of his service.”