Gov. Gregoire honored by National Guard Association of the U.S.

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today was honored by the National Guard Association of the U.S. with the Charles Dick Medal of Merit award at Camp Murray. The medal recognizes contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives to legislative bodies at the state and national levels.

�For anybody, the Charles Dick Medal of Merit is a huge honor,� Gregoire said. �But frankly, I�m being recognized for work that I was able to accomplish only with the help and support of General Lowenberg and the entire Washington state National Guard. Whatever we did for our National Guard � whatever we did to protect and strengthen this venerable institution, we did together.�

"Governor Gregoire's leadership on National Guard issues at the state and national level are inspiring,� said Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg. �Her commitment to our soldiers and airmen are manifested by her steadfast work on their behalf.�

The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, NGAUS president from 1902 to 1909, a major general in the Ohio National Guard, a congressman and later a U.S. senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established foundation of the modern National Guard.

Gov. Gregoire's contributions include, facilitating improved unity of effort during domestic emergencies among the National Guard and Department of Homeland Security communities, fighting against disproportionate budget cuts to the Air National Guard and securing a National Guard youth program for Washington state, which helps empower at-risk youth become successful and productive citizens.



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