Freedom Team Salute recognizes Army family

ARNEWS ^ | Nov 4, 2005

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Nov. 4, 2005) -- A retired captain in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps now shares something in common with Georgia Power Company president and CEO Michael D. Garrett.

Both have been recently recognized with a Freedom Team Salute Commendation, thanking them for their service to the U.S. Army and the critical role they play as members of the Army family.

“In these demanding times, we are all Soldiers for freedom,” said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker. “Army veterans have served this nation with honor and dignity, and Freedom Team Salute is a way to recognize them and show just how much we appreciate the legacy of loyal service they have passed on to this generation of Soldiers.

“Additionally, the support of families and employers gives our Soldiers strength and security while they are protecting our nation,” Schoomaker said of recognizing Army spouses such as Keitgen and companies that employ Guard and Reserve Soldiers such as Georgia Power.

Through Freedom Team Salute, anyone can nominate a U.S. Army veteran for a Commendation, and active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers can nominate their parents and spouses. Guard and Reserve Soldiers can additionally nominate their employers. Commendations include a certificate of appreciation and personalized letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff, in addition to an official U.S. Army pin.

David Rodriguez, decorated Vietnam War veteran and commander of the American GI Forum, an organization for Hispanic veterans of the Army, received his Freedom Team Salute Commendation during the program’s launch May 2.

“When I saw the one sergeant present the pin to his wife, or the young sergeant to his parents, it almost brought tears to my eyes,” Rodriguez said. “We need to recognize what’s going on in the United States and show the people in the community that the military, the Army, knows and cares about the sacrifices they make.”

U.S. Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Marcus Gould was one of two Soldiers who nominated Georgia Power CEO Garrett for his commendation. “Whether I was lacing my shoes for work or lacing my boots for duty, I was always shown that I had support, genuine concern and pride from my employers that wherever I was, they were there as well.”

“Freedom Team Salute is a small program but an important program,” said Col. Bruce Kramme, the program’s director. “I personally feel a sense of urgency to reach out to the Army family and in particular Army veterans to honor their call to duty and their contributions to the American way of life. We are rapidly losing our military heritage…often times without having taken the time out to ensure our veterans know how very humbled we are of their role in American history.”

Kramme’s comments reflect that the U.S. veteran population is rapidly aging, and the fact that Freedom Team Salute hopes to not only issue Commendations to Army veterans and Soldiers’ support networks, but also encourage the sharing of the Army legacy.

“Freedom Team Salute is a tangible way for the Army to say thanks,” Kramme said, “but it also exists as a platform through which the Army can tell its story, so that the heroic acts of our veterans and the courageous commitment to the mission that exists throughout our Army family will not go untold.”

[SandRat]

Bet you didn't hear about this on the alphabet Spews.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT