Latest news with #PatriotAward
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Amber Kinder receives Patriot Award
Amber Kinder, director of nursing resources for Freeman Health System, was honored Friday with a Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office of the Department of Defense. The award is in recognition of her "extraordinary support" of employees and family members of those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Retired Col. Steve Vanderhoof, Area 4 chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, made the presentation. Kinder was nominated by 1st Lt. Valerie Newkirk, a float pool nurse. Newkirk also is a flight nurse assigned to the 137th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Air National Guard, Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma. Tom Krahenburl, Missouri chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said in a statement: "The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who, like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation's call to serve. Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units."
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Announce Honorees for the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala in Chattanooga
Honorees for the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala Include Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Fox News Correspondent Johnny "Joey" Jones, Country Singer and Songwriter John Rich, and Philanthropist Kathleen Rollins CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, Chattanooga, Tennessee – also known as the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor – will proudly host the annual gathering of our nation's living Medal of Honor Recipients. Presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is a weeklong event, set for September 30 through October 4, that features a series of public and private events in and around Chattanooga and culminates with four individuals being honored during the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala on Saturday, October 4, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Each year, the Host Committee for the Medal of Honor Celebration works with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to select four individuals who, through their life's work, promote and perpetuate the principles upon which our country was founded and encourage the six core values of Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment. This year's honorees at the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala are the following: Patriot Award: Dr. Robert M. GatesDr. Robert Gates served as the nation's 22nd U.S. Secretary of Defense. He is honored for his lifelong service to the nation and steadfast leadership on behalf of service members and their families. Prior to becoming secretary of defense, Dr. Gates served as President of Texas A&M University and as Director of Central Intelligence. Throughout his nearly five decades in public service, Dr. Gates served eight presidents in total, across both political parties. On his last day in office as secretary of defense, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. John R. "Tex" McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism: Johnny "Joey" JonesJoey Jones, a retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician who lost both legs in Afghanistan, has become a powerful voice in bridging the gap between military and civilian life. As a Fox News contributor and author with Fox News Books, he uses his platform to share his experiences and advocate for veterans. Since recovering from the IED explosion that changed his life, Jones has dedicated himself to inspiring wounded warriors and helping them navigate the transition to civilian life. His service-driven storytelling resonates nationwide, offering clarity, integrity and hope to audiences from all walks of life. Bob Hope Award: John RichAs a country music artist, songwriter and entrepreneur, John Rich has long been a vocal supporter of the military. Through his Redneck Riviera brand and charitable work, he promotes patriotism and supports veteran-focused causes across the country. To date, he has raised nearly $2 million to support veterans' causes, including VFW's Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor. Distinguished Citizen Award: Kathleen RollinsA nationally recognized philanthropist and humanitarian, Kathleen Rollins has spent decades supporting education and ethical leadership. Under her leadership, the Gary W. Rollins Foundation—dedicated to fostering critical thinking, empathy and civic responsibility—has awarded more than $86 million to shape institutions and programs that cultivate informed, compassionate citizens, and $25 million in support of veteran causes. "The Patriot Awards recognize Americans who not only lead with purpose, but who demonstrate excellence in their fields and choose to dedicate their skills, resources, and platforms toward strengthening our country," said Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor Recipient and President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. "Whether through advocacy, innovation or philanthropy, each honoree has found meaningful ways to support veterans, invest in communities, and uphold the values that unite us." "This fall in Chattanooga, we will gather to share the legacy of the Medal of Honor and to celebrate how its values continue to be reflected in everyday acts of courage, character, and leadership," Slabinski continued. "We are honored to recognize these individuals and look forward to partnering with them to help champion the values that strengthen our nation." Now in its 65th year, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is being organized by the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center (Heritage Center), which led the successful campaign to bring this incredible event to Chattanooga. "The Heritage Center has become a national destination for honoring the stories of America's greatest heroes through its immersive exhibits and values-based education programs," said Lynda Minks Hood, member of the Heritage Center's Board of Trustees and Co-Chair for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration. "As the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor and home to the acts of valor associated with the first Medals of Honor awarded in our country's history, Chattanooga provides a powerful setting for holding this historic gathering of all living Medal of Honor Recipients." The 2025 Patriot Awards Gala Details:The Patriot Awards Gala is the capstone event for the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration and offers an opportunity for the public to mingle with Medal of Honor Recipients, the awardees and other dignitaries attending the prestigious, black-tie event. Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise, a previous Patriot Award recipient who is widely known for his award-winning portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film Forrest Gump, will serve as the emcee for the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala. Presented by Textile Rubber & Chemical Company, the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration is also sponsored by the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, American Airlines, CSX, the Robert Irvine Foundation, the Jack and Charlotte Frost Family Foundation, the Frank P. Pierce Foundation, Unum, AM General, Food City, Miller Industries, Realized Solutions, Tennessee Valley Authority, the Kennedy Family Foundation and PenFed Credit Union. Additional sponsorships are still available today, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. To learn more about the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration, the Patriot Awards Gala and how you can become a sponsor, please visit Link to video about the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration About the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage CenterThe Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center is situated in the heart of the Birthplace of the Medal of Honor—Chattanooga, Tennessee. The 19,500 square-foot facility is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Medal of Honor and sharing the incredible stories of Medal of Honor Recipients through immersive exhibits and educational programming. Through this mission, the Heritage Center strives to educate future generations about the six character traits embodied by the Medal of Honor and its Recipients–Patriotism, Citizenship, Courage, Integrity, Sacrifice and Commitment—and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to embody these traits in their daily actions to make a difference in their community and world. Learn more at About the Congressional Medal of Honor SocietyThe Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor (the United States' highest award for military valor in action) and its Recipients, inspiring Americans to live the values the Medal represents, and supporting Recipients as they connect with communities across America. Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Society's membership consists exclusively of those individuals who have received the Medal of Honor. The Society carries out its mission through outreach, education, and preservation programs, including the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, Citizen Honors Awards, and The Medal of Honor Museum. As part of Public Law 106-83, the Medal of Honor Memorial Act, The Medal of Honor Museum, which is co-located with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's headquarters on board the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, was designated as one of three national Medal of Honor sites. The Society's programs and operations are fully funded by generous donors. Learn more about the Medal of Honor and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's initiatives at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Eastern States Exposition leaders receive Patriot Award for military support
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Eastern States Exposition (ESE) President and CEO Gene Cassidy and Captain of Public Safety Johnny Ramirez were each recognized with the Patriot Award for their commitment to supporting military personnel and veterans. A representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) visited the Eastern States Exposition last Friday to present Cassidy and Ramirez with the award. The Patriot Award is bestowed upon employers who support military employees by offering flexible schedules and time off based on deployment. Holyoke unveils mural downtown to honor community leader Ramirez and Cassidy were nominated by ESE's Sergeant of Safety and Security, Christopher Thompson. Thompson has served in the military for over 28 years, with experience in both the Navy and Air Force. 'I want to thank you for putting my name in for nomination,' Cassidy said. 'Eastern States Exposition does not conscientiously think about these things. We do it by nature. In my office, I have a trophy that was once presented to our founder, Joshua Loring Brooks, in 1919, because of what he did to support the war efforts during the First World War. So, the history of Eastern States Exposition is not lost on me now.' During the reception, Cassidy signed a statement of support to affirm his continued commitment to actively serving military and veterans, which will be displayed in the Brooks Building on the ESE grounds. The Eastern States Exposition offers Military Appreciation Day on the first day of The Big E every year, granting free admission to all active-duty and retired military personnel and their dependents. Resources are provided throughout the fair for counseling, benefits, medical treatment, and other essentials. This year, Military Appreciation Day will be on September 12. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
10-year-old pinned beneath car in Sullivan's Island attack receives courage award
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) — A 10-year-old boy who was injured in a hit-and-run outside a Sullivan's Island church earlier this month is being recognized for his bravery on that day. Tanner Czuar was one of two students and a teacher who were struck when a car driven by 36-year-old Justin Collin Adams plowed through Sunrise Presbyterian School and onto the sidewalk on May 1. He ducked as the vehicle approached him, becoming pinned underneath. But it was that quick thinking that ultimately saved his life. Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) visited Czuar and his family at their home on Friday and presented him with a 'Patriot Award' for his 'heroism and his bravery to be there protecting his classmates.' Adams was taken into custody following an hours-long manhunt that involved more than 100 law enforcement personnel. He was charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault and battery. He was denied bond on the attempted murder charges during a May 2 bond hearing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cruise Planners Honored with Prestigious ESGR Seven Seals Award Recognizing Cruise Planners Commitment to Supporting the National Guard and Reserve
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cruise Planners, the nation's largest home-based travel advisor franchise network has been honored with the prestigious Seven Seals Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This distinguished award recognizes Cruise Planners for its outstanding support of National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and the broader mission of America's Reserve components. The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and the U.S. Department of Defense, acknowledging significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support. Named for the seven reserve components of the U.S. military: the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve; the award represents the shared commitment to America's defense and the employers who support citizen service members. "ESGR is proud to recognize and work alongside Cruise Planners, whose unwavering support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve exemplifies the values we stand for," said Rita M. Broadway, Retired Army Major General and Chair, Florida Committee, ESGR. "We commend Cruise Planners for their continued efforts and thank them for being a true partner in supporting those who serve." The Seven Seals Award is presented to employers who demonstrate exemplary efforts in creating a supportive environment for service members. The Cruise Planners business model allows for Guard and Reservists, active military and their spouses to maintain their thriving travel business from anywhere in the world. "At Cruise Planners, we recognize the sacrifices made by our military service members and their families and are proud to stand behind those who serve our country," said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. "It is an incredible honor to be recognized by ESGR with the Seven Seals Award and reinforces our ongoing commitment to supporting our military heroes both at work and at home." This recognition follows Cruise Planners' previous honor from ESGR, having received the Department of Defense Patriot Award, which acknowledges supervisors and employers nominated by a Guardsman or Reservist employee for extraordinary support. "As the organizer of the Fleet Week Military Employer Recognition Breakfast, it was my honor to nominate Cruise Planners for the Seven Seals Award and present it to them during our event," said Peter Caspari, Florida ESGR Volunteer and Employer Outreach Director. "Their steadfast support of the military- particularly their commitment to employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve- sets a powerful example for others." Cruise Planners formally accepted the Seven Seals award during the 2025 Fleet Week Port Everglades Military Employer Recognition Breakfast and Award Ceremony, part of the annual U.S. Navy Fleet Week celebration in Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades. The traditional event has celebrated the vital role of civilian employers in national defense for over 20 years. Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation's largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and cutting-edge booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as "Best-In-Category" for 2 years. Cruise Planners received a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report from Franchise Business Review for 2024. Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel. Visit our website, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cruise Planners Franchising, LLC
