Rhinelander - A local veteran receives a prestigous award.

75-year-old Ray Zastrow of Rhinelander is being honored with an award for his service and support for U.S. troops.

Zastrow says he received this award from the County Veterans Service Officers Association October 1st. Zastrow says this award not only belongs to him, but everyone who has supported our troops. Ray Zastrow, Earned Military Award, says "I really feel the award was earned by many people not just myself. It was awarded because of the support that military organizations received in the Northern part of the state of Wisconsin."

Zastrow says he began his military career in 1952 and 31 years later he got out of the National Guard.

But Zastrow says he's never stopped caring about the welfare of our troops.

He says he wants people to never forget them.

Zastrow says it's important for people to hang yellow ribbons like these in their yards to show support for the men and women serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Zastrow says he will work with organizations like the military support group and AMVETS to encourage people to place yellow ribbons in their yards-in time for the 951st Sapper Company's return home.