Missouri National Guard honored by the NAACP

By Nancy K. Lane
ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - At the 47th Annual Freedom Fund Dinner, the Missouri National Guard was honored multiple times by the Jefferson City Branch of the NAACP.

With a theme of "The Next 100 Years," the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People looked back at the contributions made by individuals and organizations over the past year as well as during the past 101 years.

The Missouri National Guard was presented with the Corporate and Public Image Award. This award was presented to a company in the public or private sector, in recognition of their commitment and dedication to equal opportunity, employment, diversity, community support and leadership.

Nimrod Chapel, Jr., president of the Jefferson City Branch of the NAACP, spoke of the leadership and contributions made by Harry S Truman, a member of the Missouri National Guard, and the comparison to the current Missouri National Guard. Chapel pointed out that during his term as president of the United States, Truman took a step forward for racial equality by the integration of the armed forces.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Guard were Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, and Col. Wendul G. Hagler, Joint Chief of Staff.

"It is with great humility and a sense of honor to receive this award. Missourians take care of Missourians. It is an honor to be mentioned in the same vain as out great president, Harry S Truman," said Hagler.

The Presidential Choice Award is given to an individual in the public or private sector in recognition of their commitment and dedication to equal opportunity, access, employment, diversity, community support and leadership.

The first National Guard Presidential Choice Award was presented to Danner. His nomination application stated, "Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner embodies the spirit and values of a leader. His tireless efforts to ensure all people are treated fairly and are given equal opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals are wholly commendable, and are recognized not for their greatness alone, but for the greatness they will inspire in the Soldiers, Airmen, Families and civilian employees of the Missouri National Guard."

Through these efforts, Danner has been actively creating, enforcing and encouraging success for all Missouri National Guard members, and seek ways to further diversify our force.

"I do not accept this award for myself. This award is for our 12,000 Army and Air Guardsmen," said Danner. "Our motto is 'Always Ready - Always There.' We are always ready and always there for you."

The second Presidential Choice Award for diversity and broad spectrum of representation was presented to Staff Sgt. Terri A. Greene. Greene serves full time with as a human resource assistant in the Missouri National Guard.

Greene's nomination stated, "Greene's exceptional qualifications and accomplishments distinguishes her as a leader and mentor to all those around her. While her demonstrated abilities are impressive, they are easily overshadowed by her untiring insistence that any individual that willingly stands up and swears 'I will defend this nation against EVERY enemy, foreign and domestic' deserves to be honored. She exemplifies the spirit of selfless service not only to the Missouri National Guard but also to her entire community."

Greene serves as 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Post 5, Director of the Chapter Five American Legion Freedom Riders, and has served as a fund-raiser and coordinator of Veterans' events such as the "Honor Flights."

"I am honored to be here. I feel fortunate to enjoy what I do and being a Soldier. I especially enjoy serving the veterans. Thank you to all the veterans who have served," said Greene.

Greene was presented her award by Danner and Chapel.

"Good service and good conduct," said Chapel. "It is doubly great to see the general have an opportunity to give honor to one of his own."

After the address of Kevin Myles, Kansas State Conference President of the NAACP, the evening was closed as the audience sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and was lead in prayer by Lt. Col K. Llewellyn McGhee, state chaplain of the Missouri National Guard.


For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.