Perry awards Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service to Michael Pollina

June 4, 2024

King County Councilmember Sarah Perry on Tuesday awarded Michael Pollina with the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “What are you doing for others?”

“Commander (Chaplain) Michael Pollina is a dedicated and passionate leader for our veterans in North Bend as well as for those from throughout the Snoqualmie Valley, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him and supporting him in his many and diligent efforts for our veterans since taking office,” Perry said. “American Legion – Post 79 has had an incredible impact on the local Snoqualmie Valley community through their service work for veterans, including housing and supportive services, and they continue to look for innovative ways to reach out to and engage veterans and the community at large to meet their needs. All of these efforts start with Chaplain (Commander) Pollina who spends his time ensuring that fellow veterans from throughout the valley have what they need to thrive. I am deeply honored to recognize him as our 2024 District 3 MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recipient.”

Pollina, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, is the current Commander for the American Legion Renton/Pickering Post 79 in Snoqualmie. There, he works to raise awareness for veterans of the services available to them as well as raise awareness for the community of the increasing rate of veteran suicides.

He also serves as a chaplain at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, and as chairman of the Veterans Service Organization Honor Guard Association.

Pollina now lives in North Bend with his wife, Mona, and their 19-year-old cat, Pixie.

This marks the ninth year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.