A former St. Cloud State University professor and veteran has been honored as the Veteran of the Month at the Minnesota Military Museum at Camp Ripley.

Lt. Col. Reul Pietz of Westbrook joined the Marine Corps in 1942.

Pietz served as a fighter pilot in World War II and a commanding officer in the Korean War. After 23 years of services, Lt. Col. Pietz received many honors including two distinguished Flying Crosses and ten Air Medals.

Pietz returned to Minnesota to teach Geography at SCSU for 27 years before passing way in 2008. 

The Minnesota Military Museum will be hosting an exhibit on Pietz throughout the month and during a July 17 History After Hours event. The exhibit is open to the public.