From left:  Brigadier General Robert French, PAARNG DAG-Army, Ms. Vicki Siegel, Patrick Henry Award Recipient Col Andy Ryder, Chairman, PNGAS,Brig Gen (PA Ret) Dean Oswald, Executive Director, PNGAS On 16 Nov 2004,  officials of the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations presented the prestigious NGAUS Patrick Henry Award to Ms. Vicki Siegel, Director of Appropriations for United States Senator Arlen Specter. Ms. Siegel was recognized for her behind the scenes work to increase the National Guard funding, and championing projects of special interest to the Guard and while providing the legislative tools necessary to give soldiers and airmen the best support available.  Ms. Siegel was nominated for the award by Major General Jessica L. Wright, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Created in 1989, the Patrick Henry Award is the civilian counterpart to the NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal. The Patrick Henry Award is designed to provide recognition to local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility, distinguished themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Force of the United States, the National Guard or the National Guard Association of the United States. This award is a walnut plaque with a lasered likeness of Patrick Henry centered at the top of the award. Above the image of Patrick Henry is the inscription “The Patrick Henry Award” and below the image the recipient’s name and date the honor was received. Also, written below the image is “The National Guard Association of the United States”.