Photo By Andria Allmond | Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, deputy adjutant general-Air, Pennsylvania National Guard,...... read more read more
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PHILADELPHIA – Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard participated in daylong events recognizing the accomplishments of assassinated civil rights activist and Civil War-era militia soldier Maj. Octavius V. Catto here on Feb. 21.
Catto, an educator with what is now Cheney University, a racial equality activist and the highest-ranking black officer with the National Guard of Pennsylvania at the time, was gunned down near his home in October 1871 while on duty defending African-Americans at polling places by those who opposed their right to vote.
Col. Michael Regan Jr., commander of the 111th Attack Wing’s Mission Support Group at Horsham Air Guard Station, was the keynote speaker during a morning wreath-laying ceremony held at the Starr Gardens Community Center at Sixth and Lombard streets in Philadelphia. This year’s event marks two decades of the observance.
“In the Air Force and Air National Guard, we live by three core values: Integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do,” said Regan. “It’s evident that our core values would not be new news to [Catto]. He lived those values and then some. He spent a lifetime exemplifying those values and died as a Pennsylvania National Guard officer – defending those very values.”
Later that day, community members joined with Pennsylvania National Guard members to laud three of its members with the Major Octavius V. Catto Medal being presented by Pennsylvania deputy adjutant general-Air, Brig. Gen. Tony Carrelli, at the Union League of Philadelphia.
“In addition to honoring the memory of Maj. Catto, this year we will recognize three individuals whose efforts go above and beyond the already lofty expectations we have for our service members,” said Carrelli. “Most service members are too humble to find joy at being singled out for what they do, but [this year’s recipients] have earned it.”
Lt. Col. Missy Papakie, 171st Air Refueling Wing public affairs officer at Coraopolis, Maj. Frank Junkin, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion at Fort Indiantown Gap, and Staff Sgt. Melvyn Mayo, Medical Battalion Training Site instructor and writer at Fort Indiantown Gap, all embodied the ideals of Catto, said Carrelli.
Each guard member was acknowledged for their deeds that personified great public service and support for the community.
Papakie’s extensive civic engagement, enhancement of military-mission accomplishment and involvement in a volunteerism garnered her one of the three medals. Junkin’s history of fostering a positive work environment, exemplifying professionalism, as well as his involvement raising more than $42,185 in support of wounded warriors and associated programs also earned him the medal. Similarly, Mayo’s outstanding deeds, such as being part of a team that won the Army’s Best Medic Competition, his vast training experience and philanthropic endeavors, all played a part in his selection as an award recipient.
Mayo expressed surprise and gratitude for his selection in earning the prestigious citation.
“It’s a huge honor – it’s actually kind of overwhelming,” said Mayo. “You go around and just live your life trying to do the best you can, to be the best person that you can, and to have that become something like [being awarded this medal] is huge.”
“Many people helped me earn this medal,” said Mayo. “My mother, who taught me to live by the golden rule, my wife, Ashley, for all her support and the strength I get from my sister all helped me become who I am. Also, I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentor and the rest of the command at the Medical Battalion Training Site.”
Junkin compared the Major Octavius V. Catto Medal to the Army core value of loyalty.
“This medal, just like Maj. Catto, represents loyalty – loyalty to those who served before us and made our time in service now possible,” said Junkin. “Without the brave men and women who served in the past, we wouldn’t be here today. That’s why being awarded this specific medal is so overwhelming.”
This year marks the fourth time this medal has been awarded to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard. After Catto’s death in 1871, Brig. Gen. Louis Wagner, commander of the National Guard of Pennsylvania’s 1st Division, 5th Brigade, established the medal in his memory.
“Today, 144 years after [Catto’s] death, we celebrate his life and accomplishments by presenting these outstanding Army and Air Guard members the Major Octavius V. Catto Medal,” said Carrelli. “Our country is blessed to have these heroes like [Papakie, Junkin and Mayo]. It is a privilege to wear the uniform [alongside them] and serve with individuals of this caliber.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2015 10:29 |
| Story ID: | 155540 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 847 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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