# Community event delayed but not forgotten

/ Published Dec. 10, 2015
November 13, 2015, 
Members of the Defense Logistics Agency in Battle Creekjoined with the community and other Defense Department elements for a long delayedevent to recognize America’s armed forces along with those serving in theBattle Creek, Michigan, who distinguished themselves through their extraefforts.

The Military Affairs Committee of the Battle Creek AreaChamber of Commerce had been working with the Michigan Air National Guard’s110th Airlift Wing to conduct the 59th Annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon in Mayuntil federal-directed force protection measures ruled out using the Air Guardbase for the event. Later the committee worked with the Firekeepers Casino andHotel to be the site for a Nov. 13 Annual Armed Forces Day and MilitaryAppreciation Luncheon event, which also helped celebrate Veterans Day.

“Our being here today is testimony to the volatile anddangerous world we are living in,” said T.R. Shaw, MAC chair and retired Navycommander. “We refused to let it go unrecognized and will continue this eventfor years to come, no matter when or where it takes place ... This is our sacredduty.”

Keynote speaker Tiffany Eckert spoke on behalf of Folds ofHonor, a non-profit organization designed to provide educational support tospouses and children of America's fallen and wounded soldiers. Eckert sharedstories of how she met husband, an Army reservist, his deployments and how hevolunteered for his last assignment even though his past wounds would haveexempted him. 

“He said to me, ‘I am an NCO and those are my guys. I wentto basic and advanced infantry training with them. I know where they aregoing...I have to go with them,’” Eckert said. The last time Eckert said she sawher husband was at the end of his 14-day leave for the birth of their son. 

Since her husband’s death, Eckert said her family hasreceived help from people and groups like Folds of Honor, which currentlyprovides funds for tutoring her son and daughter. She said she is picky about whereshe will lend her support because it affects her children and her husband’slegacy. 

The awards portion of the event began with Bradley Awardsnamed in honor of General Omar Bradley, one of America’s greatest generals.Bradley commanded the largest American force ever united under one man’sleadership during World War II and later became the first chairman of the JointChiefs of Staff.Bradley awardees included:
      -  Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth    Glidden, 110th Airlift Wing 
      -      Petty Officer First Class Margaret Conley, the    Navy Operational Support Center Battle Creek’s admin officer  

Next came the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center ServiceAwards, which are presented to individuals from DLA Disposition Services,Logistics Information Services, and DLA Installation Support at Battle Creekwho represent the “spirit of service” synonymous with the center and itsnamesakes. The 2015 awards were presented to: 
      -  Michael Chapman, Logistics Information Services 
      -  William Cohoe, DLA Installation Support at    Battle Creek 
      -  Steve Carter, DLA Disposition Services 

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center Fire Department receivedthe “Veterans Affairs Service Award” from the VA Medical Center as a group ofemployees committed to “serving those who served” and who represent theDepartment of Veterans Affairs in a positive manner.Among the department’s achievements was itssupport and services when the community was in need, especially after a majorvehicle pile-up last January on nearby Interstate 94 involving more than 193vehicles.

The Marine Corps League honored the outstanding member ofthe Marine Corps’ Platoon Leaders Course with the Duane E. Dewey Award.It is named in honor of Corporal DuaneDewey, who served as a Marine during the Korean War.Dewey received the Medal of Honor after hebravely risked his life to shield his fellow Marines from a hand grenade.The recipient for this year’s award wasOfficer Candidate Peter A. Wyman.

Kara Beer, Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce president,presented the Chamber’s Community Service Award, which acknowledges theexceptional efforts by members of the Battle Creek community to honor andsupport U.S. service members, veterans and their families. The 2015 award wentto Greg and Bud Dunn with Atlas Sales for continued support of the military andtheir participation with the Folds of Honor.