“The men and women of the North Carolina National Guard freely give of themselves to ensure the safety of our citizens in times of need both here and overseas,” Easley said. “I am honored and humbled to receive this award from our National Guard members whose service, devotion and sacrifice make us all proud. They are true heroes, and we need to help them in any way possible.”

“Gov. Easley is a true friend to the North Carolina National Guard,” Ingram said. “He has supported our citizens in uniform in both word and deed here at home, on Capitol Hill and around the country.”

During his term in office, Easley has: · Been named co-leader of the National Governors Association’s efforts supporting the National Guard; · Urged Congress to support TRICARE health coverage for all National Guard members regardless of duty status; · Sent radios, computers, bulletproof vests and other equipment to deployed National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq; · Signed into law legislation providing in-state tuition rates for military students and their dependents for universities and colleges within the UNC and N.C. Community College systems. In addition, Easley signed legislation authorizing the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles to issue an “In God We Trust” special registration plate with proceeds to aid NCNG members through the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund; · Supported continued funding of the National Guard-operated Tarheel ChalleNGe program for at-risk teens; · Supported, along with First Lady Mary Easley, summer camp programs benefiting the children of deployed soldiers and airmen.

The Charles Dick Medal of Merit is a prestigious award established in 1988 to recognize the contributions to the National Guard of elected representatives at the state and national levels. An individual must have distinguished him or herself over an extended period of time in their support to the National Guard, and their contributions must be such that they will outlast the recipient’s term in office.