Kwarciany accepts U.P. Vet of Year award
After a hearty introduction and congratulations from leaders of veterans organizations and elected officials, Steve Kwarciany takes the podium at a ceremony recognizing him as Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year.
Congressman Jack Bergman shakes hands with Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Steve Kwarciany at a ceremony at the fair on Thursday. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Veterans listens as Steve Kwarciany, Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year, speaks at the Upper Peninsula State Fair yesterday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Steve Kwarciany said that he was humbled to be named Veteran of the Year, knew he'd be emotional and kept his sunglasses on because he was going to cry. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
After a hearty introduction and congratulations from leaders of veterans organizations and elected officials, Steve Kwarciany takes the podium at a ceremony recognizing him as Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year.
Congressman Jack Bergman shakes hands with Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Steve Kwarciany at a ceremony at the fair on Thursday. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Veterans listens as Steve Kwarciany, Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year, speaks at the Upper Peninsula State Fair yesterday. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
Steve Kwarciany said that he was humbled to be named Veteran of the Year, knew he'd be emotional and kept his sunglasses on because he was going to cry. (R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press)
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ESCANABA — Local resident Steven Kwarciany, retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force, was honored at the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year for 2026 at a ceremony at the U.P. State Fair yesterday.
Since the first fair in Escanaba in 1928, there has been a “Governor’s Day” or something similar. The event now held on Thursday of fair week has been renamed “Honored Citizens Day” because more individuals than just the head of state are recognized.
Military veterans were welcomed into the U.P. State Fair for free on Thursday, and many attended the Veteran of the Year ceremony, which was held at a stage and booth managed for the first time by the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority. Reduced entry price was extended to Native Americans on Honored Citizens Day.
The Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year award program began in 2001, with 27 individuals — six posthumously — honored in that first cohort. It brings attention to service members who not only aided their country while in the military, but continue to work for bettering their local communities and advocate for other veterans.
Kwarciany’s accomplishments made him a standout to the Upper Peninsula Veteran of the Year Committee this year.
As a life member of VFW Hiawatha Post 2998, AMVETS Escanaba Post 123, DAV Delta County Chapter 24 and Bark River American Legion Post 438, Kwarciany has also served with the Delta County Veterans Council since March 2017, the Delta County Soldiers and Sailors Relief Committee from 2021 to 2025, the Delta County Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Committee from 2021 to present and the Delta County Department of Veterans Affairs Committee from 2025 to the present.
Commander of the Delta County Veterans Council for the last six years and Senior Vice Commander for two years before that, Kwarciany has shown to be a willing and effective leader. He has served as Senior Vice Commander of DAV Chapter 24 since 2021, Quartermaster of VFW Post 2998 since 2020 and Board Chairman of the Delta County Department of Veterans Affairs from 2025 to the present.
The Delta County Department of Veterans Affairs was established thanks to successful ballot referendum in which Kwarciany played an important role.
Through the various organizations he’s involved with, Kwarciany coordinates the annual Poppy Sale for VFW Post 2998, contributes as a Unit Raffle Tickets Prizes Committee member for DAV Chapter 24, is Funeral Honor Guard Commander for the Delta County Veterans Council, takes major roles at Memorial Day and Veterans Day events, and is involved with the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight Welcome Home Honor Guard.
Through all his ongoing involvements, Kwarciany continues to provide a shining example of what service to fellow people looks like.
In addition to the title of the Veteran of the Year, he was also presented at the ceremony yesterday with the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award, Recognition of Meritorious and Distinguished Service from VFW District 14, and the Golden Ticket from the Upper Peninsula Honor Flight.