LANSING, Mich. - Maj. Joseph Cannon of New Haven, a member of the Saginaw-based, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, was recognized for meritorious service during the Michigan National Guard water distribution mission in Flint. Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, and Lt. Col. Ray Stemitz, Task Force Flint mission commander, presented Cannon’s awards during a ceremony held Jan. 25, 2016 at the Saginaw armory.
Cannon was one of more than 270 Michigan Guard members who stepped forward to serve their state in January, distributing drinking water and related supplies to residents of Flint after elevated lead levels were detected in the municipal water system. Cannon was awarded the Michigan Active State Service Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Michigan Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding service in a coordinating leadership role. Cannon and only one other Soldier received the Michigan DSM.
“It was my pleasure to serve,” said Cannon. “As National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, we are trained and prepared to help families and communities in our state when disasters occur, just as we train and prepare for overseas missions. You wouldn’t see active duty military members filling this type of role, that is one reason I feel the National Guard offers the best military value to American taxpayers – we do it all, with pride, and maintain fulltime employment in the private sector too.”
“Maj. Cannon is a fantastic leader,” Vadnais said during the ceremony. “He truly walks the walk of a National Guard Soldier.”
Pursuant to the Michigan National Guard, Joint Forces Headquarters Regulation 600-8-22, the MASSR is awarded to any officer, warrant officer or enlisted Soldier who has served honorably for a minimum period of three days on active state service in support to civilian authorities during periods of disaster or emergency under proclamation of the governor of Michigan. A bronze oak leaf cluster represents nine days or more of active state service.