WEST ST. PAUL (AP) -- For Army veteran Tim Callister, it's an award ceremony more than 40 years in the making.

The former helicopter pilot will receive some of nation's top military honors for his actions in the Vietnam War during a ceremony Wednesday in West St. Paul.

The Eagan man was actually awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and other medals long ago, but without any formal presentation.

Callister wants the upcoming ceremony to serve as a symbolic honor to other veterans.

After his active-duty military service ended, Callister joined the Minnesota Army National Guard. He is currently a consultant after years of working at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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