thedrifter
07-09-07, 07:54 AM
Honoring ‘everyday heroes’
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Posted : July 16, 2007
The military has many ways of honoring those who serve.
Medals, ribbons, meritorious masts, certificates of commendation, certificates of achievement — all serve to recognize the sacrifices of those who have gone above and beyond.
The Military Times Service Members of the Year program is a different form of recognition.
Where most awards convey a commander’s appreciation, this is a grassroots award, one in which troops are nominated by their peers. Their efforts can’t be summed up in an award citation that highlights a moment of valor or a successful tour. Our winners are those “everyday heroes” who make the countless small and large sacrifices required each and every day in military life.
In this, the seventh year of our program, the honorees include:
•An Army captain blinded and temporarily paralyzed in a car-bomb explosion in Iraq who hasn’t let his injuries stop him from surfing, skiing, skydiving — or from staying on active duty.
•A Navy petty officer first class who, as the leading petty officer for her ship’s supply department, is among the unsung heroes who make the uniquely tough life aboard a warship more livable for those aboard.
•An Air Force staff sergeant wounded twice in Iraq while serving in one of the military’s most dangerous and thankless duties — explosive ordnance disposal; he too has remained on active duty
•A Marine Corps Reserve major who, despite being mobilized for 42 of the last 60 months, still finds time to improve the lives of veterans and youth alike in his hometown.
•A Coast Guard petty officer third class who demonstrated maturity and command presence far beyond her junior rank while serving as one of just two medical specialists aboard the cutter Dallas.
The common denominator here is that all are proud simply to do their jobs — they’re not out for recognition, only the satisfaction of service.
Our winners and their families will be honored at a Capitol Hill gala. Sponsoring the award are Sens. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and John McCain, R-Ariz.; hosting the ceremony is Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., with Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., offering closing remarks.
In honoring the achievements of these five service members, we honor all those who continue to answer the nation’s call to service, to keep our nation safe.
Ellie
-
Posted : July 16, 2007
The military has many ways of honoring those who serve.
Medals, ribbons, meritorious masts, certificates of commendation, certificates of achievement — all serve to recognize the sacrifices of those who have gone above and beyond.
The Military Times Service Members of the Year program is a different form of recognition.
Where most awards convey a commander’s appreciation, this is a grassroots award, one in which troops are nominated by their peers. Their efforts can’t be summed up in an award citation that highlights a moment of valor or a successful tour. Our winners are those “everyday heroes” who make the countless small and large sacrifices required each and every day in military life.
In this, the seventh year of our program, the honorees include:
•An Army captain blinded and temporarily paralyzed in a car-bomb explosion in Iraq who hasn’t let his injuries stop him from surfing, skiing, skydiving — or from staying on active duty.
•A Navy petty officer first class who, as the leading petty officer for her ship’s supply department, is among the unsung heroes who make the uniquely tough life aboard a warship more livable for those aboard.
•An Air Force staff sergeant wounded twice in Iraq while serving in one of the military’s most dangerous and thankless duties — explosive ordnance disposal; he too has remained on active duty
•A Marine Corps Reserve major who, despite being mobilized for 42 of the last 60 months, still finds time to improve the lives of veterans and youth alike in his hometown.
•A Coast Guard petty officer third class who demonstrated maturity and command presence far beyond her junior rank while serving as one of just two medical specialists aboard the cutter Dallas.
The common denominator here is that all are proud simply to do their jobs — they’re not out for recognition, only the satisfaction of service.
Our winners and their families will be honored at a Capitol Hill gala. Sponsoring the award are Sens. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, and John McCain, R-Ariz.; hosting the ceremony is Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., with Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., offering closing remarks.
In honoring the achievements of these five service members, we honor all those who continue to answer the nation’s call to service, to keep our nation safe.
Ellie