Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Pennsylvania militiaman's righteous legacy honored by Guard members' altruism By  Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond
                111th Attack Wing
 PHILADELPHIA – On Election Day 1871, a bullet punctured Pennsylvania Militia 5th Brigade Maj. Octavius V. Catto's heart, killing him within steps of his Philadelphia home. A black Civil War-era officer, professor, minister and political activist, his blood-stained history reveals the sacrifice of fighting for righteousness – and the virtue of resolution. These qualities – Catto's qualities – are exemplified in the Major Octavius V. Catto Medal (OVC), which was awarded to two state Guard members within the historic halls of The Union League of Philadelphia on Feb. 25. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Colombo, 111th Attack Wing chief of aerospace medicine, stationed here and Army Staff Sgt. Travis Goebel, Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site flight engineer instructor, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, were this year's recipients of the prestigious OVC award. "When we put on our uniforms, we tell the world what we stand for," said keynote speaker and the Pennsylvania National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Army Col. David Wood. "And now, when Staff Sgt. Groebel and Lt. Col. Colombo wear their dress uniforms they will wear this medal proudly in honor of Maj. Octavius Catto and the ideals for which he stood." Originally created in the 1880s, the award mysteriously disappeared without record. Then in 2011, it was approved for re-introduction into the Commonwealth's military decorations system. This year's Airman and Solider are the sixth set of recipients for the medal since its reemergence. Per the Pennsylvania National Guard regulation for awards and decorations, the OVC is awarded to a Pennsylvania Guard member who, "...exemplifies professionalism, a sincere devotion to duty support and/or volunteerism to the community, and recognizes and encourages respect for individual diversity." All these traits must also serve to foster a positive work environment and bolster mission accomplishment. Wood narrated how both of this year's recipients qualified for the award. "When compared against past recipients, the [Army] sergeant here today and going back to Maj. Catto, I just saw myself as doing what I liked and doing it a way that benefited others," said Colombo. He continued by explaining how the OVC award personifies the role of a National Guardsman. "In the National Guard, we are citizens first; but, we integrate into our local community to be ready at a moment's notice to help the community, help the nation and go abroad, if necessary. We use our assets and our skills as civilians in the Guard, and return that benefit to the community." Goebel's statements paralleled Colombo, in that he felt the medal embodies the dual role of a National Guard member. "Being a National Guardsman my entire career, this award means a lot," said Goebel. "It shows that our state recognizes the Soldiers who are stepping up and not only providing military service, but community service, too." Catto, national spokesperson for enfranchisement and civil rights for African Americans in the 1860's, was killed while defending black Americans at polling places. He led desegregation efforts in Philadelphia and, as a staunch supporter of the Union cause and the Lincoln Administration, worked in the inner circle of Radical Republicans to gain civil liberties. Wood concluded the event by saying, "Major Catto risked his life, first in the defense of his country and again to see African Americans be able to exercise their right to vote...So today, 146 years after his death, we celebrate his life and accomplishments by presenting this outstanding Army [noncommissioned officer] and this superior Air Guard officer the Major Octavius Catto medal."
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Caila Arahood and Senior Airman Victoria Coursey,
  Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise
 By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier,
  National Guard, US Army North, FEMA Train for Hurricane Response
 By Capt. Tara Santon and 1st Lt. Karlee Skaggs,
  More
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • 3 hours ago
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • 4 hours ago
 National Guard, US Army North, FEMA Train for Hurricane Response Guard News • 5 hours ago
 Cal Air Guard F-15 Pilots Train with Marine Corps F-35 Pilots Guard News • 5 hours ago
 Tennessee Guard Rescues Hiker in Great Smoky Mountains Park Guard News • 3 days ago
 2024 (193)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil