State Dept. Recognition

The U. S. Department of State is grateful to the courageous men and women who serve our country at dangerous overseas posts. They recognize the sacrifices family members must make while separated from their loved one serving overseas. With a parent gone for an extended period of time, kids bear a particularly difficult burden. To acknowledge this hardship, the Dept of State created a special medal and certificate for the kids. They asked that a Principal present the medals to the kids in a very special way.

This was absolutely wonderful! The presentation of these awards really did let the kids know that their sacrifice is appreciated and that their Daddy is a hero and is making history right now!

Mrs. Fisher, the amazing Principal of Mountain View Elementary (who came from a State Dept family as well), surprised Austin by bringing him down to the media room and he was being televised on the morning announcements in front of 780 kids and he was proud as pie! He saw me there and we got a video of the televised announcements. Mrs. Fisher read the State Department certificate and presented him the medal around his neck. Austin stood 5 inches taller that day.

Ashley got hers presented to her by the superior Principal Mrs. Frasz at Haymarket Baptist Preschool as well. She stood up in Chapel time in front of all the classes after the pledge of allegiance was said. They presented her the medal around her neck and read the certificate of recognition.

"Ashley-In appreciation for the sacrifice asked of you wile separated from your father during his tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq this Certificate and accompanying Medal of Recognition are offered as a symbol of the Department of State's gratitude. Just as we are proud of the men and women serving at Unaccompanied posts, we are also proud of their families. Thank you for sharing your Father."

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

What an honor! The Department of State has done a phenomenal job at recognizing the sacrifices of family members. Thank you!

Austin got a standing ovation as he returned to his classroom and was such a proud boy as he was able to show his medal and Certificate to everyone in his class.

Both kids proudly have their medals and certificates mounted in their room and are so thankful that someone knows the sacrifice their making too.

Daddy is a hero!