National Guard Association honor Nevadans

RENO — The National Guard Association of the United States bestowed several awards to prominent Nevadans at the organization’s 137th national conference in Nashville, Tenn. earlier this week. All were nominated by the Nevada chapter of NGAUS.

Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen, also a retired Chief Master Sgt. with the Nevada Air National Guard, was honored with the Guarde Nationale Trophy at the conference. The trophy recognizes significant achievement of members of the National Guard in their civilian endeavors. It is named to honor the Marquis de Lafayette and the roots of the National Guard name.

The Patrick Henry Award provides recognition to local civic leaders who, in a position of great responsibility, distinguish themselves with outstanding and exceptional service to the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard or NGAUS. Dan Morgan, president and CEO of Innerwest Advertising & Public Relations in Reno, received the award. He serves with the Nevada Military Support Alliance and worked tirelessly to raise more than $300,000 to create a new veterans center at the University of Nevada, Reno. The advocate organization also recognized the Green Zone Network with the Patrick Henry Award. The Green Zone Network is a the Nevada Department of Veterans Services outreach initiative that ensures the State of Nevada attracts new veterans and veteran resources, and optimizes veterans support efforts.

Capt. Brian Capra and Sgt. 1st Class Baha Ishtiwi of the Nevada Army National Guard were awarded the Valley Forge Certificate for Heroism at the conference. During a massive northern Nevada winter storm in February, the soldiers came upon a devastating car accident and together lifted an overturned vehicle to release a victim trapped beneath. They then immediately began to administer triage and comfort the children wounded in the accident. They literally gave the shirts off their backs to help warm the children.

Nevada Army National Guard Col. Zachary Doser was recognized with the NGAUS Distinguished Service Medal, a lifetime achievement, for his exemplary work as a citizen-soldier and Reno Police Officer. Doser positively impacted countless lives through excellent leadership in his militia and civilian roles.

Senior Master Sgt. Rosie Marston of the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron in Reno earned the NGAUS Meritorious Service Award. Marston, of Washoe Valley, has spent 25 years serving the enlisted corps of the military, telling the story of the National Guard, and epitomizing the citizen-soldier ethos embraced by NGAUS.

Capt. Lee Wilson of the 192nd Airlift Squadron in Reno was honored with the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award for his volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts of America, Explorers and his work with the Air National Guard Diversity Committee. Wilson is also a combat pilot on the unit’s C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Honored with the Eagle Rising Award is Chief Warrant Officer Edward Holler of Reno for his efforts to promote and recruit new warrant officers to the Nevada National Guard. Warrant officers are those with unique specialties not held in the enlisted or traditional officer ranks.

The National Guard Association is the nation’s oldest military association advocating solely for the National Guard of the United States and educating the public about the Guard’s role and 379-year history in the armed forces of the United States. The Nevada Guard Association represents more than 6,000 soldiers, airmen, retirees and their families.