LCC will honor Veterans Day with a ceremony inducting U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Russell Kogut into our Veterans Memorial.

Born in Flint in 1948, Kogut developed an early passion for aviation, inspired by his father, a World War II Navy pilot. Kogut enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1967 and graduated from helicopter flight school in March 1968. At age 20, he deployed to Vietnam with the 155th Assault Helicopter Company, flying UH-1 Hueys in support of American and allied forces throughout the Central Highlands. Following Vietnam, he served at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, before leaving active duty in 1970 to attend Michigan State University.

Kogut returned to military aviation through the Michigan Army National Guard in 1975 and again in 1982, beginning a distinguished career based largely at the Grand Ledge Army Aviation Support Facility. Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 in 2003, Kogut deployed to Kosovo in 2005-2006 in support of NATO peacekeeping operations. He retired in June 2008.

All employees, students and community members are invited to join us in honoring Chief Warrant Officer Kogut at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Michigan Room. A breakfast buffet will proceed the event, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Learn more about our memorial and watch last year’s induction ceremony online.