PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Matthew Bierlein (left) was joined by U.S. Army Sgt. Nick Koulchar (second from right) for the governor’s annual State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the state Capitol in Lansing. Sgt. Koulchar served his country as a combat engineer and gunner with the U.S. Army Alpha Company 40^th Engineers and was deployed with Task Force 1-6 to Iraq. While in Iraq, he was struck by an improvised explosive device and underwent double leg amputation due to injuries he suffered.

“I was honored to be joined by Sgt. Koulchar for the governor’s address,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “Through their selfless service, our military heroes show tremendous courage defending our freedoms abroad. They sacrifice themselves and time with their families so we can live safely and prosperously in our communities with our families. We can never take this for granted. I’m incredibly grateful for Sgt. Koulchar and all who serve our country and our state.”

Also joining Rep. Bierlein as a guest in the gallery was Rev. Paul St. Louis (right) of the Pine Run Church of Christ in Clio. Rev. St. Louis also serves as the Saginaw County Coordinator for Michigan National Day of Prayer and has coordinated efforts to establish a Pure Michigan Byways route from Flint to Saginaw. He formerly served as the president of the Clio Area Chamber of Commerce. Speaker Matt Hall welcomed Bierlein, Sgt. Koulchar and Rev. St. Louis to his office prior to the governor’s address.