August 9, 2007
Protecting Democracy at Home and Overseas
Lawmakers and legislative staff across the country are honored for their roles as civic soldiers
BOSTON - Nine members of the legislative community received a national award for fighting for democracy at home and overseas.
The seven legislators and two legislative staff members were awarded the National Medal of Civic Honor at the National Conference of State Legislatures 2007 Legislative Summit today in Boston.
"The National Medal of Civic Honor allows NSCL and its Trust for Representative Democracy to honor the brave men and women who not only serve their state's legislatures, but also serve our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, " said William Pound, executive director of NCSL.
This is the third time NCSL has bestowed such honors. The 2007 National Medal of Civic Honor recipients are:
- Iowa Representative Ray Zirkelbach. Zirkelbach just returned from serving in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard.
- Massachusetts Representative Harold "Hank" P. Naughton, Jr. Naughton served in Iraq as a captain with the Army Reserves.
- Michigan staff member Jeff Cassidy. He works in the office of Michigan Senator Jason Allen. Cassidy is currently in Iraq serving as Sgt. E-5 with the Michigan National Guard.
- Missouri Representative Jason Brown. Brown is a Staff Sergeant with the Army National Guard. He recently returned from serving in Iraq.
- South Carolina Representative James E. Smith. Smith is currently serving in Afghanistan as a Captain with the Army National Guard.
- Texas Representative Frank Corte, Jr. Corte served in Iraq as a Colonel with the US Marine Corps Reserves.
- Texas Representative Carl Isett. Issett was a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve during the war in Iraq.
- Wisconsin staff member Jacob Clark. Clark is a training coordinator for the Wisconsin Senate. He served in Afghanistan as a Sergeant E-5 with the Army Reserves. He is scheduled to return to Afghanistan in August of 2007.
- Wisconsin Representative Scott Suder. Suder served in Quatar as a Senior Airman with the Air National Guard.
Massachusetts Representative Harold "Hank" P. Naughton, Missouri Representative Jason Brown and Iowa Representative Ray Zirkelbach were on hand to accept their awards today.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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