Kersey presents Sagamore of the Wabash Award to ISU Professor Errett Bozarth

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Clyde Kersey today presented Indiana State University (ISU) Engineering and Technology Adjunct Professor Errett Bozarth with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, Indiana’s high distinction for lifetime service to the state.

Kersey made the presentation at the Myers Tech Building on the ISU campus on behalf of Governor Eric Holcomb, who named the former Marine Corps fighter pilot as the recipient.

“Mr. Bozarth is truly an amazing man,” said Kersey. “He was a Marine fighter pilot for seven years and then served in the Indiana Air National Guard for another decade. Following his military career, this decorated Marine became an American Airlines pilot until one day an automobile accident left him in a wheelchair paralyzed from the neck down with minimal control of his shoulder muscles. Yet, this tough Marine never quit. He went back to school and is now an ISU instructor in Professional Pilot and Unmanned Systems.

“Mr. Bozarth enthusiastically shares his experience and wealth of knowledge with students and is an extremely popular professor,” continued Kersey. “He epitomizes what the Sagamore of the Wabash truly represents. His courage, dedication and compassion for others is an example for all Hoosiers to follow.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash Award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served from 1945-49. The term “Sagamore” was used by Native American tribes in the northeastern United States to describe a great man among the tribe to whom the chief would trust for advice and wisdom.

Sagamore recipients have included presidents, astronauts, ambassadors, musicians, artists, politicians, and other distinguished men and women who have contributed to the well-being of Indiana and its Hoosier heritage.