Columbus, Ohio—Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general announced today that three Ohio National Guard-nominated civic leaders have been selected by The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) to receive the Patrick Henry award. The award recognizes local officials and civic leaders, who in a position of great responsibility, distinguish themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS.
Jim Tressel, head football coach, The Ohio State University, Barbara Ewing, district representative for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan and Bob Tucker, director of military appreciation, The Ohio State University football program has each been recognized for their significant contributions to the Ohio National Guard.
Coach Tressel has been an ardent supporter of service members in general and the Ohio National Guard in particular for many years. Following his 2009 Coaches Tour visit to troops at U.S. military installations in Germany, Turkey, Iraq, Kuwait, Djibouti and Spain, Tressel actively sought out avenues to support military members, especially Ohio’s hometown service members, going so far as to establish a staff position of director of military appreciation, and recording public service announcements supporting recruiting in the Ohio National Guard.
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Barb Ewing has served for many years in U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s District office. In that capacity, she has had a long history of working with the National Guard across a broad spectrum of issues. She has assisted many members of the National Guard by finding creative solutions to a range of problems from enlistment to veteran’s benefits. She has also stood at the point, maintaining the focus of the Washington office on the issues and concerns of the National Guard, and has been critical to Ohio's efforts to develop the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center into a world-class, multi-component training facility.
Bob Tucker, the former Director of Football Operations for The Ohio State University, currently serves as the Director of Military Appreciation. Over the past several seasons, he as coordinated military appreciation events honoring Ohio service members with free admission and on-field recognition during nationally televised hometown football games in front of capacity crowds of more than 100,000 people. During the 2009 OSU season, he provide opportunities for more than 500 Ohio National Guard Soldiers and Airmen to attend the OSU vs. New Mexico State football game, an unprecedented gift of free game tickets.
“Without question these individuals have each made significant contributions and provide unwavering support the men and women that serve this state and our nation,” said Wayt. “I could not be more pleased that their efforts are receiving national recognition.” |