Contact: Maj. Matt Handley
Date: October 2, 2008
Phone: 919-664-6242

Governor Mike Easley receives the National Guard Bureau Distinguished Service Award 

Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, presented the National Guard Bureau Distinguished Service Award to North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today in Raleigh.

The Award was presented to Governor Easley, who is the co-lead governor for National Guard issues for the National Governor's Association, in an exclusive ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard Headquarters in Raleigh.  

North Carolina's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr. highlighted how Soldiers, Airmen and families in North Carolina benefited from Easley's dedication.

Gov. Mike Easley has testified on Capitol Hill to get more resources and support for Guard Soldiers, Airmen and families and to clarify the role of governors' authority over the Guard in state and national emergencies. At home in North Carolina, Easley has been a strong advocate for the military, especially on behalf of military families and children. His efforts have resulted in more equipment for deployed N.C. National Guard units; state funding for health and mental health services for National Guard combat veterans; college scholarships for children of National Guard members killed or disabled while on active duty; in-state tuition for military dependents; and funding for morale support programs at all military facilities across the state.  

In 2006, he launched the “N.C. Supporting Military Children” institutes and website to help educators better understand the challenges faced by children whose parents are deployed.  This year, Easley obtained state funds to open three Super Family Assistance Centers to help military families get faster and better access to information, referrals and guidance on military benefits and support programs.

The award reads, “For outstanding leadership and support of the Soldiers and Airmen of the National Guard. North Carolina Governor Michael F. Easley your service as the National Guard Governors Association (NGA) lead governor on National Guard issues since 2004 has kept our National Guard ALWAYS READY, ALWAYS THERE.”

The criteria for the Award states that it is presented to those that have provided the “Highest level of contribution to the National Guard or National Guard Bureau”. The award is a National Guard Bureau medal (2 ¼ by 2 ¼ inches) attached to a ribbon, a display case, and 17 x 21 inch framed certificate.

The North Carolina National Guard remains committed to providing ready forces to deploys in support of the global war on terror and emergencies in our state whenever and wherever needed.