(City of Kenosha)
KENOSHA, Wis. — Patrick Langston II, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran and longtime community leader, has been named the City of Kenosha’s 2025 fourth-quarter Hometown Hero in recognition of his military service and continued commitment to veterans and local families.
Langston was formally recognized during the Kenosha Common Council meeting on Jan. 5, where city officials highlighted both his distinguished naval career and his extensive work in education, youth mentorship, and community service.
The Kenosha Hometown Heroes Program, established in 2015, honors men and women who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and who have demonstrated outstanding personal achievement and positive contributions to the Kenosha community. Honorees must have been born in Kenosha, currently reside in the city, or have lived in Kenosha for at least 10 years.
Langston served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from June 15, 2008, to May 13, 2013, attaining the rank of petty officer second class (E-5). During his service, he earned a meritorious promotion from the commanding officer of the I Marine Expeditionary Force and achieved the Fleet Marine Force warfare specialist designation.
His military training included Navy Recruit Training Command, Hospital Corpsman “A” School, Field Medical Training Battalion and the Combat Lifesaver Instructor Course at Camp Pendleton in California, as well as biomedical equipment technician training at Fort Sam Houston in Texas.
In 2009, Langston completed pre-deployment training at Twentynine Palms, California, before deploying to Afghanistan in 2010 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The following year, he served under the I Marine Expeditionary Force with the 9th Battalion and 1st Intelligence Battalion, where he worked as a combat lifesaver trainer, preparing Marine units for deployment.
His military decorations include the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and the Combat Action Ribbon.
After leaving active duty, Langston continued to support fellow veterans through civilian roles with the Federal Health Care Center–Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Benefits Administration, helping service members navigate health care systems and access earned benefits.
Langston is also deeply involved in community service. He mentors veterans transitioning to civilian life, offering guidance on education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. He is the co-founder and executive director of The Spears Foundation, a nonprofit focused on education, family support, and career advancement for youth and families across the region.
Through his nonprofit and volunteer work, Langston has helped organize Kenosha’s largest annual Christmas event, distributing more than 2,000 toys each year. He has also supported local youth as a coach with the Boys & Girls Club and St. Joseph Catholic Academy, contributed to scholarship fundraising efforts, and participated in initiatives such as Readers Are Leaders through United Way, the UW-Parkside Alumni Association, and Building Our Future.
City officials said Langston’s recognition as a Hometown Hero reflects not only his military achievements, but his lasting impact on Kenosha through leadership, service, and mentorship.
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3 Responses
Congratulations! It sounds like a well deserved honor.
Thank you for your service
Mr. Langston, thank you for your service and for returning to Kenosha to make our city a better place.