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Combat-Wounded Brookfield Veteran To Attend State Of The Union

BROOKFIELD, Conn. -- U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) announced Thursday that Michael J. Zacchea of Brookfield will be his guest for the President’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 12.

Michael Zacchea will attend President Barack Obama's last State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Michael Zacchea will attend President Barack Obama's last State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Photo Credit: Brookfield Democrats

Zacchea is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, receiving two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his heroic service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was wounded in the Second Battle of Fallujah in 2004 and is now medically retired. He currently serves as the program manager for the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities at the University of Connecticut School of Business, helping to support veterans in establishing and growing businesses.

“Michael Zacchea is a decorated officer who served and sacrificed for his country, and who has continued to give back unselfishly and unstintingly," Blumenthal said. "His is a model for public service—an heroic soldier and job creator who helps veterans start, strengthen and expand businesses that have provided countless jobs and opportunities for other veterans across Connecticut. I am proud to have him as my guest for the State of the Union address, and look forward to continuing to support all that he does for veterans in Connecticut."

“Senator Blumenthal is a terrific advocate for veteran business owners, and he ‘gets’ their issues and concerns," said Zacchea. "It’s very apparent that he works indefatigably on our behalf. Attending the State of the Union as a guest of the ranking member is an incredible honor and really shows the importance that Senator Blumenthal attaches to working on veterans issues to create social and economic value for our state."

Blumenthal is ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

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