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National
Guard Association Honors Pennsylvania Governor Rendell with Medal of Merit
Pennsylvania Governor Recognized for Support of State's National Guard and
Veterans
HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell was presented today with the prestigious Charles Dick Medal of Merit in recognition of his support for the National Guard, as well as legislative initiatives on behalf of Pennsylvania's veterans and their families. Before an audience consisting of soldiers and airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Governor Rendell was presented with the national award by Brig. Gen. Stephen M. Koper, president of the National Guard Association of the United States. The presentation took place in the Governor's Reception Room at the State Capitol.
"Whether fighting the Global War on Terror, helping victims of devastating events such as Hurricane Katrina, or aiding the commonwealth in times of crisis, the Pennsylvania National Guard has always been there to answer the call," said Governor Rendell. "Our servicemen and women have always been there for us, and we have a responsibility to provide the resources they need to do their jobs effectively and provide comfort and security to their families."
Since taking office, Governor Rendell has directed that more state resources be utilized to support Pennsylvania's National Guard troops and their families. Working together, the state departments of Public Welfare and Military and Veterans Affairs are working to help returning servicemen and women transition back to civilian life. The program offers mental health and substance abuse programs, vocational training, and family counseling.
Governor Rendell has also helped make sure that life insurance premiums for deployed National Guard troops are covered; that soldiers have more time to take advantage of educational assistance program grants; and that children and unmarried surviving spouses of Pennsylvania National Guard members killed in the line of duty are offered free tuition at state-related schools, community colleges, and schools in the State System of Higher Education.
Established in 1988, the Charles Dick Medal of Merit recognizes elected officials who make significant contributions to the National Guard. The National Guard Association of the United States is a non-partisan organization representing 45,000 current and former National Guard officers.
Brig. Gen. Koper said Governor Rendell is an ideal choice for the award for many reasons. He, specifically, noted the Governor's strong stance in challenging the Base Realignment and Closure Commission's (BRAC) decision in 2005 to close the Willow Grove Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base.
"He stands with us today as he did when the BRAC debacle began," Brig. Gen. Koper said. "We have never seen a governor who more strongly came to the forefront of this kind of issue.
"He is absolutely the epitome of what a commander-in-chief of a National Guard should be. He has continued to stand with the National Guard during his term in office and in all of the missions the National Guard has undertaken. He is a role model for the kind of support the award is meant to recognize."
The citation, which accompanies the medal, also praised Governor Rendell for his many legislative initiatives which have benefited Pennsylvania's veterans and their families.
"Governor Rendell is instrumental in the successful enactment and introduction of numerous legislative initiatives undertaken to improve the lives of National Guard members and their families," the citation states. "His dedication, selfless service and steadfast support of the National Guard are in keeping with the highest levels of government service and are invaluable to the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of America."
The Charles Dick Medal of Merit is a two-and-a-half-inch gold-plated medal bearing the likeness of Maj. Gen. Charles Dick. In addition to being a general in the Ohio National Guard and president of the National Guard Association from 1902 to 1909, Charles Dick was a Congressman and a U.S. Senator who was responsible for legislation that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.