Governor Pawlenty Orders National Guard to Create Minnesota Achievement Ribbon
Press Release
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY ORDERS NATIONAL GUARD TO CREATE MINNESOTA ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON -- May 23, 2007
~ Minnesota Achievement Ribbon to recognize excellence while providing assistance in Minnesota ~
Governor Pawlenty today signed an executive order authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to create the new Minnesota Achievement Ribbon, an award recognizing outstanding performance for members of the Minnesota National Guard while performing active duty assistance in the state of Minnesota, such as providing disaster relief for floods and forest fires.
The following is the text of the Governor's executive order:
WHEREAS, the members of the Minnesota National Guard have made significant sacrifices to protect and serve Minnesota through State Active Duty, by helping Minnesotans protect their communities from floods and fires, recover from tornadoes, and serve the elderly in state nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota National Guard's long service to the state spans more than 150 years, pre-dating the establishment of the state itself; and
WHEREAS, since its inception, the Minnesota National Guard has responded to more than 324 emergencies and committed in excess of 785,700 troop-days to the support, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, the state military awards program has not been reviewed or updated by the state since 1959; and
WHEREAS, subsequent to last award update, the active component military forces have added awards to recognized excellence of service members, particularly the efforts of more junior service members through the Army and Air Force Achievement Medals; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota National Guard should have the capability to recognize its service members with an award of similar precedence for service to the state during emergences; and
NOW, THEREFORE, through the powers invested in me by Minnesota Statutes, Section 192.23 (2006), I hereby order that The Adjutant General prepare a new General Order establishing a Minnesota Achievement Ribbon for the purpose of recognizing excellence in performance of duty while serving in a state role or for service conducted while in State Active Duty status.
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