The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) honored Third District Congressman Nick Rahall Monday at the State Capitol.
Rahall received the National Guard’s 2012 Harry S. Truman Award. Rahall said it was a proud moment.
“It’s a prestigious award and I’m just very honored and humbled to receive it.
NGAUS gave Rahall the award in recognition of his legislative efforts in support of the men and women serving in the National Guard.
Gus Hargett of the NGAUS said Rahall has been a great friend to the National Guard.
“When we were trying to put the Chief on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Congressman Rahall along with Candice Miller sponsored our bill in the house,” said Hargett. “And were able to get it through in one vote.’
That bill ensured that the Guard would have input at the highest levels of military echelon when it comes to their mission readiness. In addition, Rahall pushed the creation of family support services and advocacy programs for service members as they transition back to civilian life.
Rahall said what he has done fails in comparison to what the National Guard does on a regular basis for this country.
“During natural emergencies, they’ve been there in front of our home front, they’ve been there in the front of our battle lines on foreign shores,” said Rahall. “The National Guard is on call 24/7.”
Hargett said if a person doesn’t recognize the value of the Guard through all the recent natural disasters, then they just don’t get it.
Rahall received the award during Veterans’ Visibility Day recognition ceremonies in the House Chamber at the West Virginia State Capitol.
The Truman Award is the most distinguished recognition conferred upon an individual by the National Guard Association.
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