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Vietnam vet gets long-awaited medals
James Procopio receives medals in ceremony at congressmans office
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U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, holds a small gathering Monday morning at his Gainesville office to present Vietnam veteran James Procopio his service medals. During Procopio’s tour of duty, he was awarded several medals that he never received until the congressman’s office intervened.
When it came time for James Procopio to graduate from Manhattan College in 1964, he had three options: join the military, get married or move to Canada. He picked the first of the three, choosing to enlist in the U.S. Air Force right out of school. The 74-year-old man served and was honorably discharged, but he never received his awards, medals or ribbons.