Congressman Moolenaar Receives National Guard Medal of Merit

The award recognizes Moolenaar's advocacy for the Michigan National Guard and securing new missions for the state.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Midland) was awarded the 2025 Medal of Merit by the National Guard Association of the United States this week. The annual award recognizes legislators on the state and federal level for contributions to the National Guard. Moolenaar was presented the medal by the National Guard Association of Michigan.

Why it matters

The Medal of Merit is a prestigious honor that highlights Moolenaar's strong support for the Michigan National Guard and his work to secure new missions and resources for the state's guardsmen. This recognition underscores Moolenaar's commitment to advocating for the National Guard at the federal level.

The details

Moolenaar was recognized for his bipartisan efforts to help secure a new mission for Selfridge Air National Guard Base and to designate the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan as a new drone training site for the military. He has been a vocal advocate for the Michigan National Guard and ensuring they have the resources they need to fulfill their duties at home and abroad.

  • Moolenaar was awarded the 2025 Medal of Merit this week.

The players

John Moolenaar

A U.S. representative for Michigan's 2nd Congressional District.

National Guard Association of the United States

The organization that presents the annual Medal of Merit award to recognize legislators for contributions to the National Guard.

National Guard Association of Michigan

The state-level organization that presented the Medal of Merit to Congressman Moolenaar.

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What they’re saying

“For 390 years, dedicated guardsmen have served the United States as civilian-soldiers responding to emergencies at home and abroad. The men and women of the Michigan National Guard make us proud wherever they serve, and in Congress I have advocated for them to get the resources they need to thrive.”

— John Moolenaar, U.S. Representative

The takeaway

Congressman Moolenaar's recognition with the prestigious Medal of Merit from the National Guard Association underscores his steadfast support and advocacy for the Michigan National Guard. This award highlights his bipartisan efforts to secure new missions and resources for the state's guardsmen, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring they have the tools they need to protect communities at home and abroad.