The Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2024 H.J. Halleck Award recipient.
Ray Michau, Jr. of Pulaski is this year’s honoree. He moved to Pulaski County in 1999 from Calumet City, Illinois. He is a former Marine and worked 28 years for Western Union Telegraph, a subcontractor for 4 years for Doors and Windows before becoming self-employed. He retired and then went back to the workforce for Culligan for 10 years where he retired again and moved to Pulaski County, where he again came out of retirement and went to work at Sanders Grocery for what was to be a short time and is now 22 years. As a young man he learned his woodworking skills were a gift he could share with others and continues to do.
Ray became involved in Habitat for Humanity building houses for families in the community and serves as foreman. He is known to help people with home repair at no cost and has built many ramps for those needing home access. He is active as a Gideon and helped build the Thornhope Holiness Church.
As an active volunteer for the Humanitarian Distribution Center he helps distribute food to pantries feeding residents in several counties served by multiple food pantries. He has volunteered for the mobile food trucks and Human Services unloading food to keep shelves stocked for those facing hunger or needing to supplement their nutrition.
Ray graduated from South Shore High in Chicago. He and his wife, Ann, of 45 years have 5 children, 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
He is humbled by this recognition of the H.J. Halleck Award and thanks those who have nominated him.
Ray will be honored on Monday, April 29 at the 2024 H. J. Halleck Community Service Award event at the Winamac VFW Post 1728 on U.S. 35 in Winamac at 6 p.m. ET.
Reservations are due by April 22 and the event is $25 person and $45 per couple.
RSVP by emailing pulaskiccoc@gmail.com, Payment may be mailed to the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce at P.O. Box 113 in Winamac.
