Dearborn Heights Mayor and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Bill Bazzi was recognized by the Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition as its 2022 Veteran of Honor during the 17th annual Veterans Day Parade in Detroit’s Corktown.
Bazzi, a retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, served in several capacities, including multiple worldwide deployments throughout his 21-year military career. Prior to his current role as Dearborn Heights mayor, he served as an engineer with Ford Motor Co., where he served as past president of the Ford Veterans Network Group. Prior to that, he was an engineer with Boeing Aerospace Co.
He is a well-known supporter of local and regional veterans organizations and the services they provide – serving in the capacities of both participant and volunteer leader. Most recently, serving as a three-term past commander and current board member of the Dearborn Area Allied War Veterans Council.
“I am honored to be named as this year’s Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition Veteran of Honor,” he said. “It is certainly a highlight in my years of experience as a veteran and associate of this great organization.
“As a proud retiree of the United States Marine Corps, it humbles me to join the distinguished list of veterans who have accepted this recognition before me. It will be an ongoing reminder of the importance of our continued work as ambassadors of service as we continue our focus on recognizing and honoring the sacrifices of all veterans, continuing our work to provide assistance to our vets, and helping foster the importance of patriotism throughout our communities.”
The Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition is a Michigan-based volunteer organization dedicated to providing veterans of all military branches a platform to better serve their communities. Believing authentic patriotism binds diverse communities to a common cause, the organization seeks to inspire patriotism through civic events and community initiatives.
The organization also serves as a resource for assistance to veterans, helping them navigate the sometimes-confusing myriad of resources available from both government and nongovernment organizations.
