I would like to nominate Bill Gates,co-founder of Microsoft. He has donated millions  of dollars
to research,education and health programs in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.

He is a positive example of a caring,generous and quality human being.  

He truly is committed to the betterment of the world in which we all live and I feel he deserves this special recognition.


I do not work for Microsoft so this is not an employee endorsement. He has initiated Microsoft's
own transit bus system to provide transportation for workers to and from work recently. Just an example of how Mr. Gates tries to improve the lives of his employees. Employees are also encouraged to volunterr in community service programs returning back to the community in which they live.

I wish more citizens would take such an active approach to life,health,education and community improvement.

Sincerely
Anne M. Chase
15308 110th Ave. NE.
Bothell, Wa. 98011  

 

I would like to nominate Susan Conners with the national Tourette (TS) Syndrome Association.  Ms. Conners grew up knowing she was different and didn't realize that she herself had TS until after watching an episode of Quincy.  As she learned more about Tourette and its comorbid disorders, she used her knowledge to teach others about Tourette and to help children with TS where she taught school.  She is now retired from teaching and works with the Tourette Syndrome Association part time as an education specialist.  Although on paper she is part time, her schedule is a far cry from it.  She travels year-round all over the country to educate others about Tourette syndrome and its comorbid disorders so that the children who suffer from its sometime debilitating wrath can be seen as children who cannot help their symptoms.  She has little time to herself and she works so hard despite her poor health (diabetes).  On top of this she is never too busy to help out a parent who needs her advice when battling a school system who insists a child's symptoms are nothing more than misbehavior.  She is truly remarkable.  And despite her own personal problems, she doesn't hesitate to lend a hand where most people would be wrapped up in their own problems.  She goes above and beyond what anyone is expected to do, so that our children who sometimes are abused and who suffer so much in a world that has not learned to be tolerant of Tourette, can have a better tomorrow.  Thank you.

Re: Your "Fleecing of America" segment, 9 October 2007: "Broadcasting ideas that most Cubans can't see" by Mark Potter.

 Mark Potter's piece tonight is a prime example of the way in which the American news media tries to pass off editorial opinion as hard news.  Calling the broadcasts of TV and Radio Marti a waste of American taxpayers' money is not only inexcusably wrong, but also extremely ignorant, and a flagrant expression of bigotry.
  Obviously, Mr. Potter has never had to huddle next to a radio or tv, with all the windows shuttered and the volume turned as low as possible, to receive any real news from the outside world.
  Unfortunately, I have.  And so have millions of others like me.
  Unfortunately, Mr. Potter is a privileged, North American who is shielded from the harsh realities of life outside the U.S.  He has no idea what it is like to live in a totally repressed society, and how oppressed people welcome real news from the outside world.
  What Mr. Potter and NBC showed tonight was a total disregard for the oppressed people of Cuba, who hunger and thirst for a glimpse of something other than what their government spoon-feeds them.
  It is also a fine example of bigotry.
  Are the 1.5 million Cubans who live in the U.S. not part of America?  Most are U.S. citizens.  All of them pay taxes.  The figures cited as an expense are more than covered by the taxes that Cubans pay.
  It was a totally cheap shot to say that these broadcasts serve only to win the Cuban vote in South Florida.  I thought Yellow Journalism had gone out of style. Shame on you.    You have also ignored several other important facts.
  These broadcasts serve two functions simultaneously.  The first is humanitarian, as outlined above.  The other is strategic.
  So what if the Cuban government jams the signal?  There are a great number of Cubans on the island who risk their lives to listen and watch, and pass on the news.  They know how to get past the jamming. And they pass on the real news to their neighbors.
  Mr. Potter has no clue as to how underground networks survive and thrive in repressive regimes, such as that of the former German Democratic Republic and present-day Cuba.
  I am sure that Mr. Potter has seen the German film "The Lives of Others" and found the behavior of the German secret police deplorable and the behavior of the opposition laudable.  Same thing goes for Cuba.
  I would like to ask Mr. Potter:  are Cubans somehow inferior to Germans?
  I would like to suggest that Mr. Potter interview Vaclaw Havel, the one-time Czech dissident.  Ask him if he found radio and tv broadcasts from outside the Iron Curtain to be a waste of time and money.
  Mr. Potter also displayed ignorance of the way things work in the real world.  Does he have any idea how much it costs the Cuban government to jam those signals, and how they can ill afford to spend their meagre resources for such purposes?  This is no Chinese water torture, drip, drip drip, or some mere annoyance.  This is a fire hose aimed straight at a repressive regime, a powerful weapon designed to weaken it.
  No one disputes the fact that the Soviet Union collapsed by trying to keep up with U.S. "annoyances,"  including Radio Free Europe or The Voice of America.
  The worst thing of all about tonight's "Fleecing" segment is its blatant disregard for Cubans on both sides of the Florida Straits, and its shameless pandering to the bigotry that fuels America's current hatred of all things Hispanic.  When all is said and done, this is a piece about how "American" tax money is spent on Spics.
  Shame on you.
Carlos M. N. Eire
T. Lawrason Riggs Professor of History and Religious Studies
Yale University
Winner, 2003 National Book Award, nonfiction

I would like to nominate Second Class Petty Officer Eduardo Gonzalez.  Although he serves in the U.S. Navy, he is also a husband and father.  He spoke before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on the issue of immigration,
http://judiciary.house.gov/media/pdfs/Gonzalez070906.pdf and in doing so he may easily have placed his family at risk for deportation.  (Blog:  Petty Officer Eduardo Gonzalez)  I think this man has served the cause of freedom in a way most never will.  I think we need to recognize his efforts, and I think we will benefit from the symbolism, of this nomination.

 I nominate Ms. Sheehan, whose son died in Iraq and who for two years stood alone in opposition to this war and the administrations handling of it.  A true American and a gutsy person.

There is one very unsung hero-ine who has gone above and beyond the occasional above and beyond. She is Sibel Edwards, former FBI translator who uncovered the Dickerson spies relating to pre 911 translations which are evidence of the truth. Ashcroft proved her heroism by putting a gag order on her. For the proof that that she must be one of the winners of this award, go to her website just a citizen . com to view the video of her telling her own full story. Perhaps Colin Powell could balance out his disastrous Feb. 5th, 2003 UN speech by making sure Sibel wins.  Thanks.

I would like to nominate Rev. Gerald Clark of Knoxville, Tennessee.  In the closing days of WWII, Gerald Clark's jeep hit a mine in the vicinity of Berlin.  He lost a leg in the explosion and was awarded the Purple Heart.  After the war, he dedicated himself to helping veterans of all wars.  Even though he is in his 80's, and limited in mobility by his wound, he tirelessly works for the homeless, the hungry, the misplaced, and the unfortunate in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He has spent hours and has spent hundreds of dollars in his effort to help veterans and the less fortunate.  He is a hero in the eyes of all who know him. His life and example is what makes this country great.

Lee Wallace

I would like to nominate Kyle Gilbert of Brattleboro, Vermont.
I read an article in the local paper about a soldier who had been killed in Iraq. His last request was " Don't forget me ".  I cried but realized I had to honor this young man's request. My daughter was serving in Afghanistan at the time so I was praying everyday for her but what could I do for Kyle.
I decided to cut his picture out of the paper and put it in a frame with the rest of my children.  I told my daughter about Kyle and what I had done.  I wanted him to be remembered.  So as friends and family visited they would ask who the young man in the picture was and I'd tell them about Kyle Gilbert a friend I never met. You see I'm African American and Kyle is white.  So he does stand out with the pictures of my 4 kids. I feel I did what Kyle would have wanted. I live in California and so many people know about Kyle Gilbert and he will never be forgotten because he's now part of my family.  So if you could consider this  honor for a find brave young man who gave his life for all of us.
Here is the article I read that touched my heart:

A young soldier dier tried to sound brave, but his Mother could hear the fear in his voice all the way from Iraq. Before the satellite phone cut out, he made a request-the prayer of every soldier in peril:
" Just don't forget me".  He was killed Aug. 2003

My daughter came home safe and no injuries and for that I am very grateful.

I would like to know if any black people have won the medal of honor.  Evidently they haven't after all what have they done for this country right.  People I know ask me that I thought that I would ask someone that knows.  They are to dumb right to lazy right and they are good for is nothing from what you show me on your channel makes me glad that I'm a black man.  I doubt that anyone will read this so in closing I'd like to say Thanks America the people that haven't did a dam thing would like to say thanks.

Can't believe that after all this time there has been no national recognition for Doris (pronounced Dory) Miller a navy seaman who proved himself at Pearl Harbor Dec 7th 1941. For full details of a black cook mannig a macine gun during the attack, contact the Waco Tribune Herald ref November 28, 1993 page 13A as a starter.

I would like to nominate my father Joseph Alfano.  For the past ten years he has dedicated his life to helping veterans of all wars through Vets Helping Vets and the Disabled American Veterans Association of Marion County Florida. He was honored this year as volunteer of the year in Florida, and has received congratulatory letters from both Senators and local politicians. Monday through Saturday he works tirelessly to insure veterans and their families receive the benefits they need and deserve.  My father is 74 years old, and has had three open heart surgeries, but none the less wakes every morning at 5:30am to volunteer his services at Vets Helping Vets.  He spends Saturdays at the Disabled Veterans helping with claims and raising funds to keep the organization viable.  

He lives, breathes and sleeps the rights of veterans, and is the proudest Marine you will ever meet.

I would like to nominate my grandfather, Mr. H.C.(Hans)Hannemann.  He is now 91yrs old and has been a role model for many men & women of our small town in Texas. Hans had to take over as provider for his family as a teenager,when his father died leaving behind 9 children. Hans was the oldest with the youngest being on a few months old.  Through the years Hans helped to provide for his family making sure that all the brothers & sisters where well taken care of, helping them to go to College, Seminary and Military service.  His dedication to family, church, community & government can be seen in many avenues of our small town. In recent years the local airport dedicated their visitors center in his name, as Hans was instrumental in bringing an airfield to Fredericksburg where he first trained pilots to go off to fight in war. He trained them to land & take off in an old peach orchard\plowed field because there was no airport.  He provided lights for night landing by having my grandmother "Dorthy" drive the car into the field and shine the headlights of the auto out onto the field so they could see where to come in at. His decication to supporting his country was evident when he helped to provide for the family so that several of his brothers could go to fight in the war, while Hans stayed home to continue to train pilots.  He also has spent many years in active partipation in Boys Scouts, having his own son, and 2 grandson & 2 great-grandson all achive the highest ranking award of Eagle Scout.  His partipation in community service has been seen by him implementing the Volunteer Fire Dept, and his still continued support of the Texas Highways Dept in helping to obtain a truck by-pass route to get hazardous matieral off of the streets of down town main street.  Hans' love of God, Country & family has been an inspiration for us all, and I am proud to call him my Grand Father, as he has always gone Above & Beyond, maybe not on a National level, but on a local & family level, which I feel is just as important as being at the top.

I have nominated Q Madp

he runs the website www.iraqwarheroes.com

he is a wonderful man who spends most of his days honoring our fallen soldiers

I would like to nominate Richard Montoya. He is a dedicated teacher and a loving father. He teaches my 8th grade science class and I've never had such a great teacher. Not only does he teach me what I need to know to graduate into highschool, but he's taught me a lot about life too. Everyone in the whole middleschool loves him, probably because he's so loving to us. Mr.Montoya is the kind of man that would "jump out in front of a truck for us." His words exactly. He is a general in the war and is leaving for the middle east over christmas break. He will never be my teacher again after that because i will be in high school by the time he comes back.It's active duty, so he may never come back. but i will be praying for him every day he is gone.  I love him so much and I don't want him to leave. i realize i'm not making a really good point to try and give him a civilian award, but what do i know, im just an 8th grader. But I do know this: Richard Montoya deserves a civilian award more than anyone i've ever known. Actually,he deserves even more than an award can give. But since i dont know what exactly what that is, i will make sure that people know what an amazing person he is. He's a man with hurtful memories, but never gets in the way of how he treats others. i've never met a man quite like him.

I would like to nominate my mother Janet Newell. She has for the past 20 years, tirelessly served the homeless and underprivelaged in Seattle, Washington. 17 years ago she she foinded a 501-c3 where she works still at age 70 ,4 days a week giving her heart, soul and own money to break the cycle of homelessness in Seattle. She is trying to pass on her "tribal knowldge" of social work on to me, but everyday I realize how much I do not know and how much she needs to teach me. She is awesome, 70 years old and is an advocate for those less fortunate than she. check out roarofwashington.org  Thanks, Elizabeth

I would like to see my sister receive an award for her constant caring for our family and her extended family.  It all started in high school when our father took ill and we all helped out in taking care of him and the household chores as our mother worked in Baton Rouge during the week to return home on the weekend. Our father had diabetes and an enlarged heart needing a special diet. My sister married "the boy across the street" and bought the house next door to his parents so we all lived VERY close.  My sister was able to take care of my dad since she was stay at home mom raising her oldest son.  This was in 1975; the year after she graduated from high school. Our father passed away in 1978. My sister and her family grew and they moved to Slidell where she was still a stay at home mom with now 4 children and keeping up with everything VERY well. Our Grandparents lived in the French Quarter in New Orleans and after our Grandmother passed away our Grandfather lived there alone for a short period of time until he was mugged walking in through his front door and he really never recovered from that; after a hospital stay, my sister and her family gave up their attached garage and converted it into a bedroom with a bathroom (handicap accessible) for our Grandfather to live. My sister now taking the duty of caregiver for her four children, husband and now our Grandfather. Our Grandfather passed away in 1993. I think it was around 1994 when her sister in law's child was diagnosed with Autism.  This was a new problem that our family new nothing about!  Her sister in law 'Linda' was very strong and was managing her dilemma very well and became pregnant for her second child; after that birth she was told of a rare (at the time) case.  Both her children had signs of Autism.  One child with Autism is a lot to handle; two with Autism is more than I personally could image.  My sister Andree cares for Linda's two kids, evenings and weekends. This time is her time off because now she works full time and has worked full time since our Grandfather passed away. My sister lives in Slidell, LA; did I mention that when Katrina blew through that area she lost everything!  It took over a year for her to receive a "FEMA trailer" and she and her youngest son lived in that for quite some time until the mold and small space was too much to handle.  She now lives with her second oldest child until the plans get finalized for her house to get built. Still with the entire unsettled living situation that she has since Katrina, Andree still cares for Tyler and Rachel every weekend and at times during the week.  Andree has been a caregiver without EVER complaining since she was in high school.  She is now 52 years old living in a bedroom in a house she shares with her son, waiting for her own house to be rebuilt, the FEMA trailer to be removed from her property so she can get back to normal. Having her grandkids come to her house for red beans and rice and being able to watch Tyler and Rachel in her own home. Besides our own Mother who raised us so well I truly can't think of anyone who deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond as my sister Andree Lachney.

We would like to nominate Coach (Retired) John R. Wooden for this honor.  Yes, he was a great coach and set NCAA records but more than that he is, and always has been, a great humanitarian and teacher. He has influenced so many young minds not only by his teachings but through his down to earth philosophies.  Through his Pyramid of Success he has taught that the foundation of being a good person is the most important thing that life has to offer.  There is no other individual that we can think of that is so unassuming and humble but yet has influenced and affected so many young individuals.

On January 10, 1976 the Pathfinder Hotel in Fremont, Nebraska (wikipedia) was destroyed by a gas leak explosion. Many were killed. Several fell thru the floor into the basement.  Charles R. Dewey, a WWII vet, DOB 13 March 1922, went to the scene before  rescue and entered a burning building and saved several people. To the best of my knowledge no formal recognition was ever accorded.  Chuck lives at 102 Wyn St., Houston, MO 65483. There may be
witnesses still alive.

I would like to nominate Alan Johnston.  He was a Civilian contractor working in Iraq with me at the Al-Kisik Iraqi Army Training base in Northern Iraq.  On August 7th,2004 we were attacked by insurgents with two large truck bombs and rockets for an hour.
Alan received many injuries himself in the attack but treated people and saved many lives including mine.  He today is still recovering from his injuries with a leg surgery just this week.  He has not been able to work since.
I have attached a text copy of the Congressional Record by Senator Snowe.  This document explains the events better than I can.  Thank you for your consideration and time.  I am one of the Marines he saved during the attack.
<congrressional Rercord

United States of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 109th CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION
Vol.152 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2006 No. 128 Senate
HEROICS OF ALAN JOHNSTON

Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor
and recognize with the highest esteem Mr. Alan Johnston of Windsor, ME, for the tremendous courage and enormous valor he demonstrated in Iraq in 2004 that helped save many lives.
CPT Aaron P. Hill of the U.S. Marine Corps           recounted in a witness statement that Alan Johnston's
heroicactionsonAugust7,2004, hadhebeeninmilitary
uniform, wouldhaveearnedhimamedal.Mr.Johnston,
a civilian contractor who was overseeing construction of two medical clinics in Iraq, acted swiftly and selflessly to rescue others during a suicide attack on the headquarters facility at the AI Kasik Military Base located approximately 35 miles northwest of Mosul, Iraq.
Captain Hill was part of a unit advising Iraqi soldiers in Northern Iraq. He credits Mr. Johnston with saving a number oflives after insurgents drove two water trucks packed with as many as 8,000 pounds of explosives to  the headquarters building.The blasts from this insurgent attack lasted over 90 minutes and destroyed the 2-level headquarters building, resulting in 14 deaths and an estimated 40 severely to critically injured people.
Acting withouthesitation, Mr.Johnston soundedthe
alarm, throwing those around him to the floor, saving
many lives. In the devastation that followed, acting with total disregard to  his own safety,Mr.Johnston emerged from the wreckage and began to assist in evacuating and treating the survivors. Despite the continuing barrage of mortars and rockets, Mr. Johnston continued to offer help with his medical expertise, calm demeanor, and steadfast devotion to helping his fellow man.
Mr.Johnston not only reduced casualties and treated
the wounded but restored critical support systems, including power and water. He also helped to find ways to feed the thousands of Iraqi soldiers dependent on the American military for support.
Alan Johnston, a 6-year veteran of the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and an emergency medical technician for nearly 18 years,suffered injuries to his head and leg but treated himself and remained at the base in Iraq

for 3 months after the attack. He left Iraq in December of 2004 and underwent another series of leg surgeries once he returned to the United States.

As a result of Captain Hill's eyewitness account of
Alan Johnston's actions, last month I had the solemn
privilege of pinning the Defense of Freedom Medal on
Mr. Johnston's lapel at a medal ceremony held at my
Augusta, ME, office with Mr. Johnston's family present, officially acknowledging these courageous actions. This award is a rare and unique commendation issued only to civilians and is equivalent to the Purple Heart awarded to military service men and women.

But what is most remarkable is that this occasion
marked the first time a civilian, private contractor was awarded this particular medal. Mr.Johnston's lifesaving response to serve and sacrifice on behalf of others was something he chose to do. It was not his duty. It was not his responsibility it was his goodwill and American patriotism that drove him to put his life at risk in order to assist and save others. There is only one word that sufficiently describes this exemplary Mainer, and that
word is hero. I was extremely proud to present him with the Defense of Freedom Medal.

Mr. Johnston's awe-inspiring willingness to think
of others ahead of himself will forever be remembered
by those whose lives he touched and saved that day.
The courageous commitment and valiant care demonstrated by Alan Johnston of Windsor, ME, exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a Mainer and an American.

I am nominating a coworker and Program director for a local radio staion who spends endless time coordinating and working for the less fortunate in the Hudson Valley on the Toys for Tots campaign. Randy Turner (WBPM-Pamal Broadcasting)has made sure the less fortunate children receive gifts under the tree for many Holiday seasons. He is a blessing to our community and has extended this service again this year reaching families in Ulster, Orange, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties. He works with the Marine Corp out of Stewart AirForce Base(Newburgh) and is truly a commited citizen.

I tried to put this in the Nomination Form for the Above and Beyond Award. There just isn't enough room to do this in 250 words. Who ever reads this, please supoport this nomination for Jim.
This is about a Soldier, Sailor, and Airman. The only reason he wasn't a Marine, there just wasn't enough time to do so. He is James D. Thornton A Forgotten American Hero or..., Jim. At the age of 15 on 22 Dec. 1973 and as a Police Explorer Scout in Montgomery, AL, Jim was faced with a life and death situation. The officer he was on patrol with was attacked, his weapon taken and a nervous woman pointing it at Jim, Officer John Hester, her brother and boyfriend. Jim calmly placed himself in between the gun and the other three men, grabbed the pistol with his left hand as the hammer struck his skin between his thumb and forefinger and saved them all. As an Airman 1st Class in the U.S.A.F. during a Tornado Alert at Sheppard A.F.B. in 1977, Jim, then an In Patient at the Base Hospital saw a family, trapped in the parking lot and in his PJ's, went in to the storm, grabbed the small children and guided the family to safety. As a Radioman 2nd Class in the U.S. Navy and a crewman on the U.S.S. Ranger CV-61 Jim was burned on both legs, saving the lives of RMSA Jery Parrott and RMSN David Whyte in a birthing fire. Later, On 1 Sept. 1978 Jim was on an early morning supply run for the Communications Department onboard Ranger. When he stopped for gas at N.T.C. San Diego, he saw that the Royal Inn Hotel across the street was on fire on the 5th floor. Jim ran up the stairs, kicked open a steel fire door the wrong way, entered the building, tripped the fire alarms, charged the Fire Station on the 5th floor while evacuating guests and put out the fire there. There were 234 Rooms, the Hotel was 100% occupied and Jim was the only one hurt. In a Collision at Sea, 0455 5 April 1979, the Ranger collided with the SS Fortune Moriva south of Singapore. Jim actually went over the side of the ship under orders from Capt. Thomas G. Moore in to the damaged hull of the ship and gathered information to realy back to the skipper. His Starboard Safety Line was fouled and he had to cut loose and be dragged up the Port side of the Ranger. The Navy never awarded Jim one, single, award for anything he did even though by default, he's earned the Navy/Marine Corps Medal at least 3 times and other awards. Skipping ahead of dozens more rescues to present times..., During Hurricane Katrina, as a Captain with the Mississippi State Guard on active duty...,
1. During a Drive By Shooting the night after the hurricane, in the Key Chapter of the American Red Cross in Meridian, MS, ((601)485-5151 Director Mr. Gordon Stewart). Jim exposed himself to direct fire while unarmed to get all staff members inside to the floor and to turn off all lighting to make a black out and remove any chance that the shooters could see who to shoot at. No one was injured and the building took 5 hits.
2. The Friday evening after Katrina, some Clients in Shelters were receiving partial text messages from family and friends still trapped in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Jim and other Red Cross Staffers, compiled the information, set up an emergency communications network to Eagle Ops in Shreveport, LA and relayed through them the information to the rescue teams in New Orleans, causing over 27 lives to be saved. One place of note, the abandoned nursing home in New Orleans that drew so much attention. The partial message read, "..., there are still some of us still alive and in the roof, send...," Jim did!
3. Scores of displaced and disabled Veterans were in the Meridian area when Jim found out that the V.A. Clinic there was abandoned. These Veterans had no medicines to take as many left all behind. Jim again, set up another emergency communications network, contacted Dr. Terry Allgood at the V.A. Hospital Jackson, MS. and with the help of his wife, SSG Kathy Thornton, (NOTE: There was one plug on a generator and SSG Thornton had to reprogram and reset each piece of equipment everytime something needed to be relayed making a normal operation, very difficult.), made all arrangements for all medicines to be handled through the Red Cross Nurse Supervisor for distribution to those Vets. Jim has been nominated twice for the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his combined actions across America. These 2 from Gov. Kirk Fordice (R) MS in August 1999 and by Sen. Ed Robertson (D) AL in Sept.1996. Both to Pres. Bill Clinton. The White House responded but never acted on the nominations. He has received commendations from 7 Governors of 6 States. He's most proud of the one from Gov. George Bush (R) TX and a very special one from Gov. George Wallace (D) AL. The others are from Pete Wilson CA, Lawton Chiles FL, Fob James AL, George Allen VA, Kirk Forcice MS. He has earned many awards over the years from the U.S.A.F., U.S.N. and the State Guards of Alabama, Virginia and Mississippi. The only problem is, he's never gotten any of them. They seem to either loose, missplace or deny ever having received any paperwork on him. MAJ Jim Thornton is a Disabled Veteran. He is still serving without any pay and in great pain with a Pace Maker, Gout, Blood Clots, Burns and numerous other injuries to himself from active duty for which he still fights the V.A. for a full pension. He is poor but will get food for someone in need at the drop of a hat when his family has nothing. His and his wifes vehicles are Katrina Survivors and are barely running. his truck is missing most of it's windows. Jim & Kathy lost their home to tormado damage, before Katrina. He has never missed a drill or a call to duty and has volunteered several times for an apointment to active duty and service in Iraq. His Family & Friends have nominated him for the Mississippi Medal of Honor and his former C.O., MAJ Pate Miranda of Meridian, MS the Magnolia Cross of Mississippi. Gov. Barbour has never responded. I've seen him do some of these things and even watched him leave his own birthday party to go in to a very nasty storm in Hattiesburg, MS to help people. He's always giving to others when he has nothing and someone needs to remember him now. We beleive that he's saved over 500 lives coast to coast. Many are documented. If Lincoln's words are true, then so is the echo of Sen. Robertson's letter to Gov. Wallce, "If we do not remember what this man has done, other men will forget what to do." Gov. Wallace's letter and nomination for the Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama with the Valor Device for risking his life has been ignored by that Governor as well. All of the nominations for any awards he's earned, even going back to the Boy Scout's Medal of Honor with Crossed Palms by unanimous nomination of his council have all been ignored. I think that no one in America has done this much to help his fellow man so hands on doing rescues and risking their life! It's time that America knew about and remembered Jim. He's given his, He damn sure deserves our best! 15 Minutes of fame is not enough. Maybe someone will find courage in his sacrafices. Bruce Ferguson

I wish to nominate my daughter, Lauri Schoneck. She is a great representative of nursing mothers.  When it was determined that her son was allergic to mother's milk she changed her diet to only rice and sweet potatoes for three months so that he could receive the benefits of mother milk for the first three months of his life.  I believe that she acted above and beyond and deserves recognition.

I would like to nominate my father, Harry W. Atkinson, WWII veteran per the attached:

Most of us realize that we are losing many of the surviving WW II Veterans each year.  It has been almost 65 years since the start of WW II and each year fewer and fewer of these brave soldiers remain.

My father, Harry W. Atkinson, served under General George Patton in the 10th Armored Division.  He was a tank commander(sergeant)and fought for over 3 yrs. on the front lines in Germany, France, and Bavaria.

He returned from battle to his native state of Maryland as one of the highest decorated soldiers from his home town.  

Special achievements included- Silver Star; two Bronze Stars for bravery; and three Purple Hearts.

During his tour and under my father’s leadership, his platoon liberated Daucha prison camp (one of the locations for incinerating hundreds of Jewish people); fought major campaigns on the Siegfried line and the Battle of the Bulge along with countless other battles in Germany and the south of France that he has long since forgotten.    

A photographer followed my dad and his platoon during the entire war and I have preserved many of the photos that were taken during his three years on the enemy front lines.  I am extremely proud of the service that he gave to his country.   It has only been in the last several years that he has been able to share his stories and talk about the “war”.  Along with the sadness and grief, there were moments of laughter as he reminisces about their endurance during some extremely harsh conditions- snow, ice, bitter cold and freezing temperatures and how they managed to survive.    

I celebrate my Father and his contribution to the liberty and freedom of the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

I am sure that my thoughts are shared by many of those of us who still have loved ones that proudly served their country.

From a very proud and grateful daughter,

Janet Atkinson-Brilliant
2301 Winding Hollow Lane
Plano,Texas 75093

I would like to nominate my father Lawrence M. Curtis. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam,and was awarded the Purple Heart three times.  He came home and married my mother who had three kids of her own. He adopted my brother,myself, and my sister.  He and my mother had a son together.  My father and mother have just celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary! My father will retire from the U.S. Post Office in '08.  He loved all four of us and still does today, and he is still in love with my mother,and she is crazy about him.  Without my father I do not know what would have become of my mother and the three of us. He was,and still is, the greatest man that I have ever known. He never asked anything for himself and he gave us a chance at a college education, and taught us to be ourselves.  Thank you

I would like to nominate Dr. Jim Wright, President of Dartmouth College for his devotion to helping wounded veterans at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,MD, and also to the boys (MEN) overseas.

I would like to nominate Benjamin W. Cope who, in 2001, performed a valient effort to save his friend who was critically injured at work by an intruder with a machete on the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean.

Rollin Glascow was working at his company when an intruder, armed with a machete, cut him on his thumb, arm, and a final, critical blow on the calf of his leg before fleeing.  Rollins wife, Norma called Ben and told him what had happened.  

After laying on a beach for over an hour, Rollin was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced clinically dead however, with God's help he was able to be resuscitated.  Rollin was then told he would have to have his leg amputated and there was not enough blood supply on the island to treat him.  Looking for an alternative, Rollin was taken to the island of Guadeloupe and again was told the same news-his leg would have to be amputated.

By this time his wife was frantic as Rollin was now near death again.  Norma placed a distress call to Ben Cope.  Ben assessed the situation and felt strongly Rollin's leg would be able to be saved if he could get him to a trauma hospital that was equipped for this severe a situation.  Ben knew he must act fast.  Ben and his secretary placed many long-distance emergency telephone calls and eventually was able to secure an air ambulance to fly Rollin to Miami, FL but at a cost of $19,000.00. Ben committed to provide these funds and the events unfolded quickly but it was soon apparent more work was to be done.  The decision was made to move Rollin again.  Ben now had Rollin flown from Miami to Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA at another $10,000.00 cost which he again committed to pay.

All told, Ben Cope spent some $50,000.00 of his own money to help his friend and today Rollin is able to walk on his own.

Ben received recognition from the local news, the Governor of PA, the Red Cross, etc.

Ben Cope saw what needed to be done and swiftly acted to help his friend with little regard to personal cost at the time.  

Ben truly went "above and beyond" and is a living example of not just a good Samaritan but a faithful friend.

I would like to nominate our beloved grandson posthumously.  His name is Richard "Roo" Goodall, Jr. and he lost his battle against brain cancer two and a half years ago.  Roo was first stricken with a brain tumor at age five, had surgery, radiation and chemo for 18 months.  Roo had about five years of relative normalcy, playing baseball and roller hockey, and was an honor roll student when he was stricken again at age 11 with an inoperable tumor and was given only about a year to live.  Three months before Roo passed away he formed a Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society and helped raise $17,500.  This was the most money ever raised in his area and he did it by going out in his wheelchair and knocking on doors, having hot dog sales and donut sales. Roo was awarded "Youth Philanthropist of the Year" posthumously and has had a Youth Award of Excellence set up in his name by the American Cancer Society to be given to a youth each year who is outstanding in their work with the Relay for Life.  His reason to relay was "so other children will not have to suffer like I have".  He was an inspiration to so many and a real dedicated humanitarian.  Roo is a true American hero. He is a 12 year old child who dedicated the last days of his precious life to benefit others.  Please consider one of the three awards to be given to a child of extraordinary courage and bravery who, while facing the obstacles of declining quality of life, dedicated his last days on earth to helping others while knowing that he would not survive. He definitely went Above and Beyond the expectations of a dying child. As a result of Roo's accomplishments his family is continuing in his memory by keeping his team (Smackdown Cancer Fighters) going and devoting our lives to helping erradicate this terrible disease that devistates so many families worldwide. You can learn more about this special child by visiting his website www.richardgoodalljr.com

I would like to nominate Jean Ann Lynch who has focused the past 20+ years of her life helping the young, working near poor parents, care for their babies.  After learning that a high percentage of child abuse is due to babies not having their diapers changed frequently enough due to lack of funds to purchase adequate supplies, Jean Ann became determined to find a way to solve the problem.  She rolled up her sleeves and went to work.  It seems that a relatively simple solution to a monumental problem had not been addressed: Give the parents enough diapers to get them through the month.  
 Jean Ann created an organization called Baby Basics, made up entirely of volunteers who distribute diapers twice monthly to qualified parents.  All donations are used to purchase diapers, 100%!! The organization originated in Ridgewood, NJ but has grown to include South Boston & Hyde Park, MA, Collier County & Winter Park, FL, Wilmington, VT, NY,NY, Menlo Park, CA, with many new Baby Basics on the horizon throughout the country.  
  Jean Ann Lynch's undaunting, humble and generous spirit has helped hundreds, soon to be thousands of America's young near poor and prevented unknown numbers of child abuse cases.  Who knows how many lives she has saved?
  Not only is Jean Ann Lynch my hero, she is the hero of hundreds of babies and young parents, America's future!

Why do you have Brian Williams' name associated here, when he left hosting the Medal of Honor gala(after a quick hello) in Boston this past year to fly out to do Saturday Night Life!  There is no choice which of these two events one should choose to attend.  He is a disgrace to his country.

    I am SFC Mary K. (Kathy) Thornton, Medical NCO for the 1st (SEPERATE) Infantry Brigade of the Mississippi State Guard and wife of MAJ James D. Thornton. I can attest to the deeds mentioned by Mr. Bruce Ferguson and much more. I would like to add two more rescues to this list of deeds my husband has been a part of and beg you, whoever you are, please send this information to your congressional delagation for action by our President and the Armed Services he has served in for proper recognition. Jim has been nominated for so many awards and received none. He has gone broke helping people and we have all suffered but, it's what has to be done and I know this. Help him so he can continue to help others.

    In Feb. 2004, Jim noticed a large amount of black smoke coming from the area near our neighbor, 10 miles away. Just by feeling something was wrong, he raced there to find the property of Ms. Terri Cross, (601-582-1206 / 9181 Hensarling Rd. Petal, MS 39465), on fire. The home was starting to burn as Jim entered to get Terri out. He was burned on his right leg going up the stairs to her home. He awoke her from a very heavily medicated sleep and removed her from the home. With only a garden hose and determination, he proceeded to fight the fire until one of Terri's cousins showed up to help then others arrived. He was also cut by briars and weeds as he fought the fire. He was burned again in the same area of his right leg while finishing off the fire. He saved Ms. Cross and her home. While riding with my husband on 6 Nov. 2006, an older black lady passed us on HWY. 11, north of Petal, MS and didn't notice the car in front of us turning left in to their driveway. She swerved and tried to regain control of her car to no avail. Mrs. Charlotte Evans, (601-582-0970 / 1248 Leeville Rd. Petal, MS 39465), ended up crashing in to the woods after fishtailing and leaving the highway. Her car had fliped and landed on it's side in a slanted position and rolling over on it's roof on to a tree stump. Jim ran through the weeds and positioned himself to block the car from continuing it's roll and to give Mrs. Evans, time to escape. Using his own body to stop the car from rolling, he calmed Mrs. Evans down, got her to concentrate on the window and roll it down so that she would be able to crawl out and escape. As she exited the position, she was high up on the side of the car causing it to try and roll even more. Jim used every thing he had to keep it steady, yelled at her to jump, and kept the car steady while she escaped. After she was clear, Jim jumped out of the way cutting himself on thorns and branbles where the car continued to roll over. Mrs. Evans didn't even have a scratch. Jim suffered for over two weeks, with cramps and pains from the cuts and burns he suffered in both incidents. He's done so much more and has risked his life on many occasions. Why is it that one man, ( A Good Man and a Good Deed), can jump on a train track and save someones life, and get national attention, when another man, a Disabled Veteran, has saved hundreds of lives and gets none? He cares so much about everyone and gives his all. Isn't someone willing to do the same for him. He suffers from numerous medical problems including his heart and the moment he put's on his uniform, he is renewed no matter how much he hurts. He has so much pride and patriotism that he's volunteered several times to go to Iraq to do whatever he can do. He remains ignored! He's trained his whole life for it since he was 11 years old and wore his first uniform in Military School at Gulf Coast Military Academy. I want to see him be able to hold his head high, be honored and remembered for what he's done during peace time and war. I don't know any other way to do it other than here. He's done so much for America! America, Please do something for Jim? God Bless you all, Happy New Year and please keep us in your prayers. Kathy

I am a cousin of John Michael Granville, a diplomat who was killed on New Year's day 2008.  He was a great humanitarian and strived to help keep peace in Africa.  It is ironic that his burial came on the 3rd anniversary of the peace pact.  I believe that John is well qualified for the Defense of Freedom Medal.

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