Duty, Honor and Country

John Pappageorge’s life has truly been one of Duty, Honor and Country. His impressive and decorated career has spanned the globe, but he has never lost sight of the importance of his family and improving the quality of life in his own community.

John was born and raised on the east side of Detroit. He graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. He later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland with a focus in Government and Politics.

After graduating from West Point, he served 30 years of active duty in the Infantry including two combat tours in Vietnam. He is airborne, ranger and pathfinder qualified. John's decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Superior Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, nine Air Medals, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

John Pappageorge spent the last four years of his military career as a member to the Secretary of State's Policy Planning Council as a result of his successful shuttle diplomacy between Greece and Turkey that returned Greek forces to NATO's Integrated Military Structure.

John retired as a colonel in 1984, settled in Troy, and became Director of Business and Strategic Planning at General Dynamics Land Systems. His involvement in local civic and political affairs includes the Troy Boys and Girls Club, the Troy Kiwanis Club, a founding member of the Troy Community Coalition and four years as an Oakland County Commissioner from 1989-1992. He is a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and served on its parish council for many years.

Serving us in Lansing

In 1998, John was elected to the State House of Representatives for the 41st District. He admirably served the citizens of Troy, Clawson and Royal Oak, holding many powerful positions during his tenure before concluding his term in 2004.

John was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2006. He has fought hard for a state government that is responsive to its people and efficient in its execution. He has successfully lowered taxes, reduced job-killing bureaucratic red tape, led the charge to create an entirely new advanced battery industry in Michigan and fought for a more responsible budgeting process. He has been awarded Legislator of the Year by numerous organizations including the Area Agency on Aging, Dads and Moms of Michigan, National Federation of Independent Business and the National Kidney Foundation.

John lost his wife of 35 years in May 1993 to pancreatic cancer. He married Cristina Burnard in September 1997. In addition to John's two married children, George and Christina, the family includes Cristina's daughter, Melissa Saffold. They also have four grandchildren; a son and daughter from Christina who lives near Chicago and two daughters from George who lives in Troy.