Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Asato | 150717-N-OO032-173 SPOKANE, Wash. (July 17, 2015) -- Coast Guard Avionics Electrical...... read more read more
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SPOKANE, Wash. - Service members representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard were awarded the American Legion Department of Washington’s Spirit of Service Award (SOSA) during a ceremony and Service to America Banquet Salute to Armed Forces and Law & Order in Spokane, Washington, July 17.
The SOSA is awarded to outstanding military professionals who are actively engaged in the community through volunteer projects according to retired Coast Guard Master Chief Jake Cabuag, the department’s Commission Chairman.
“It is awarded to enlisted personnel of the rank of E-6 and below who excel in both their daily duty performance and embody service before self,” said Cabuag. “This is the third year the SOSA was awarded in the Department of Washington.”
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Christopher Neeper, an Albemarle, North Carolina native assigned to USS Nebraska (SSBN 739); Marine Corps Sgt. Christian Orozco, a Merced, California native assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion - Bangor; Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technician 1st Class Trevor Sly, a Clawson, Michigan native assigned to Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles; Army Sgt. Blogoy Pogoncheff, a Lansing, Michigan native assigned to the HHC 508th Military Police Battalion at Joint Base Lewis-McChord; and Air Force Airman 1st Class Ariana Cunningham, an Oregon native assigned to the 92nd Medical Group at Fairchild Air Force Base received the SOSA for their impact through volunteer service in their local communities.
“Since 1919, our goal is to work for veterans and rehabilitation of disabled comrades,” said Cabuag. “It’s an honor to have all of the services together today and recognize these fine service members and their senior leadership for raising great Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen.”
The department’s legion band performed the “National Anthem,” “O Canada,” "The Army Goes Rolling Along,” “Marine Corps Hymn,” “Anchors Aweigh,” "The U.S. Air Force,” and "Semper Paratus" before each service member was escorted down the aisle with their service’s flag and presented with the SOSA and giving select remarks.
“The welcome has been more than warm and I’d like to congratulate the other branches as well,” said Neeper. “This would not have been possible without the support from USS Nebraska, so I’d like to say thanks to my Chief here with me today.”
“I would not be here without my command and Chief’s Mess,” said Sly. “It’s a little over whelming, but thank you for the out pouring of feeling of family, camaraderie and support since I’ve arrived here.”
“There are many more Marines out there more deserving of this award and recognition,” said Orozco. “I’d like to thank the other branches and everyone here for recognizing that our work doesn’t go unnoticed and for letting the community know we’re here.”
“Thank you to my family, as my wife and daughter both received volunteer and youth volunteer of the year,” said Pogoncheff. “Thank you to my chain-of-command and American Legion for this honor.”
“I’d like to thank my leadership and community who were my biggest supporters,” said Cunningham.
Senior enlisted leaders representing each respective service were also honored at the inaugural banquet Service to America Banquet Salute to Armed Forces and Law & Order.
“It’s difficult to find a niche serving on a submarine, unless you’re a first class [or higher],” said Chief Electronics Technician Jeff Ammerman, a Loudonville, Ohio native assigned to USS Nebraska with Neeper. “Neeper took it upon himself to stand apart and become the command volunteer coordinator, pooling his fellow Sailors in service along with him.”
“Let us give thanks, it is because of our armed forces, guards and reserves that we stand here free today,” said Cabuag to close the night’s events.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2015 17:21 |
| Story ID: | 170587 |
| Location: | SPOKANE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 227 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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