Michigan National Guard member from Midland recognized for supporting Flint mission

Michigan National Guard
Story by Angela Simpson

Date: 03.09.2016
Posted: 03.09.2016 15:20
News ID: 191752
Michigan National Guard member from Midland recognized for supporting Flint mission

LANSING, Mich. - Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Pratt, 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, director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, presented Pratt’s awards during a ceremony held Jan. 25, 2016 at the Saginaw armory.

Pratt was one of more than 270 Michigan Guard members who stepped forward to serve their state, distributing drinking water and related supplies to residents of Flint after elevated lead levels were detected in the municipal water system. He coordinated warehouse operations and supervised incoming bulk supplies however, never one to be behind-the-scenes for long, Pratt led by example, passing out water and conversing with Flint residents.

Pratt was awarded the Michigan Active State Service Ribbon with bronze oak leaf cluster for his service. He and only one other Guard member will also receive a Michigan Distinguished Service Medal for outstanding service in a coordinating leadership role.

“In 1989, after serving three years active duty service in Germany I reenlisted into the Michigan Army National Guard, 144th Military Police Company. My decision to forgo continued active duty service was centered around a desire to make a difference in my home state, to help the people of Michigan in times of crisis. It was how I perceived the National Guard. Now, 27 years later, I have personal experience with coming to the aid of Michigan citizens in a time of crisis and providing support to Michigan Emergency Service Agencies – to say I am honored is the absolute truth. I am proud of the professionalism, empathy, and dedication each and every Michigan National Guard Soldier and Airman displayed. It is to these enlisted and commissioned service members I can proudly say that I served for them and with them. From this year, 2016, forward, the people of Michigan will know that we, their own National Guard, are always prepared to help their families and communities to overcome disaster and start the process of recovery,” said Pratt.

“Pratt 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.