FORT KNOX, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2013) -- In a dual award ceremony held at Fort Knox, Ky., Sept. 5, Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., presented husband and wife Capt. Joshua and Christie Shaver with awards for their outstanding contributions to the U.S. Army Infantry and the infantry and Army communities.

Shaver, Headquarters Commandant, 3rd Brigade at Fort Knox, Ky., received the Order of Saint Maurice Award (Centurion) from Anderson for his outstanding contributions to the Army infantry.

Shaver enlisted in 1994 and served in several assignments and deployments. He received his commission in September 2005.

Shaver's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (two Oak Leaf Clusters); the Meritorious Service Medal (one Oak Leaf Cluster); and the Army Commendation Medal (four Oak Leaf Clusters).

The Order of Saint Maurice is special to the infantry community and recognizes individuals who, in the eyes of senior leadership, have contributed significantly to the infantry and served with distinction. The medallion is awarded by the National Infantry Association, and the certificate is signed by the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army. It is named after Saint Maurice, the leader of the Roman Theban Legion in the 3rd Century.

Shaver was nominated for the award by his infantry supervisors and peers.

"I have served under Lt. Gen. Anderson on several deployments, and he has gotten to know me and my family over the years. I am honored and humbled, because we as a family have been greatly influenced by his leadership style," said Shaver.

"To have Lt. Gen. Anderson take the time out of his busy schedule to present the Order of Saint Maurice to me, and the Shield of Sparta to Christie, is truly an exceptional and unique opportunity and one that neither of us will ever forget."

Anderson recognized Christie Shaver for her non-stop contributions and dedication in supporting the Army infantry and their families, and for continuingly looking for opportunities to serve and promote the sacrifices of the infantry Soldier.

"I consider it an honor to present Christie with the Shield of Sparta -- Heroine of Infantry award, because Christie represents all of what the award stands for," said Anderson.

This award was established by the National Infantry Association and the Army Infantry Center to recognize wives and supporters who have contributed significantly to the promotion of the infantry in support of infantrymen and their families.

"I have known Christie and Josh for many years," said Anderson. "Christie has always been out front taking care of the infantry Soldier and their families. In every unit that her husband has served, she has been right there, volunteering and being supportive to the spouses and families of those infantrymen who were deployed and to the Army community.

"The dedication and sacrifices she has made and the support she has always provided for Josh and their kids represents the standard for those who follow her."

During their 19 years of marriage, the Shavers have made 14 moves. Christie has served as the Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader or co-leader for two infantry companies and has volunteered in many different capacities, including child care at every unit her in which her husband has served. She graduated from Austin Peay State University with honors and is currently working on a master's in Education. Christie thanked her children for their support.

"This award should be going to them for their help and support in getting me through some tough times. So I want to thank them and let them know we share this award. It's not about recognition or awards, it's about family. Nothing is more important that taking care of family."

Following his wife's award ceremony, Shaver said, "This was truly long overdue. Christie has deserved this award for a long time, and for the first time we have been in a location long enough for her to finally get the recognition she so truly deserves.

"There is so much good for which to recognize our infantry spouses, and the presentation of this award was able to capture just a snap shot of Christie's sacrifices and achievements to the infantry families, children and other units," said Shaver.