7 Georgians Earn National Guard Association Awards

Seven special Georgians have been recognized by the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) for their outstanding support and service to the men and women of the Georgia Army and Air National Guard.

From throughout Georgia , these seven represent individuals who have clearly worked diligently in support of the people and the programs of the Georgia National Guard. 

NGAUS created ten award categories for both civilian and military recipients. Georgia 's recipients were recognized in three major categories, the Patrick Henry Award, the Distinguished Service Meal and the Meritorious Service Award.

Recipients of the prestigious Patrick Henry Award are Mitchell Bush, Savannah Chapter of the USO, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) William N. Searcy, former Commander of the Georgia Air National Guard, Sonny Park, CEO, General Building Maintenance; Tina M. Coria, Board member, National Guard Youth Foundation; and Arthur T. Wilkes, Woodmen of the World.

The Patrick Henry Award is awarded to persons who have distinguished themselves over and extended period of time in their support of the Armed Forces of the United States , the National Guard or the National Guard Association of the United States .

The NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal was presented to Command Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Pearson Deloach, Coordinator of Leisure Services, City of Savannah .  He was the only recipient of the award.

The Distinguished Service Medal is presented to a person who distinguished him/herself as particularly outstanding in service to the United States Government, any of the Armed Forces of the United States , including the National Guard, or to the National Guard Association of the United States .

Two Georgia Army National Guardsmen, Brigadier General Terrell T. Reddick, Commander, Army National Guard, Joint Forces HQ, Georgia, and CW4 Leslie Groover, MATES Superintendent, Joint Forces HQ were recipients of the NGAUS Meritorious Service Award.

The NGAUS awards will be presented to the award recipients at the 127th annual NGAUS General Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center scheduled for September 17-19, 2005.

| Back |