WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 31, 2014) -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno presented Outstanding Civilian Service Awards to five private-sector men and women who have significantly helped Soldiers and their families through employment programs, financial aid assistance, adaptive sports rehabilitation and quality of life programs.
In a "Salute from the Chief," Odierno, who hosted, made the presentations at a special Twilight Tattoo to honor the five at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., yesterday. The award is the third-highest public service honor the Army can bestow upon a private citizen.
Before presenting the red, white, and blue-striped ribbons bearing the Army crest and framed citations, Odierno praised each recipient specifically for their long-time contributions, dedication and unwavering commitment to those who serve in the armed forces.
"Tonight, we have the honor of recognizing five incredible men and woman who exemplify the phrase 'selfless service,' their steadfast commitment to all Service members has been unwavering," he said. They reach out for the simple, but profound reason that they love their country and have a deep respect for those who have raised their right hands and swore to defend this great nation.
"Tom Donohue, Suni Harford, Harvey Naranjo, Tom Werner, Bob Woodruff, you're shining examples of the human spirit that defines this country," Odierno said. "We're indebted to each and every one of you, and tonight, we are proud to salute and honor you."
As president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Donohue launched the Hiring Our Heroes program in 2011, which has helped tens of thousands of military veterans and spouses to find meaningful employment. Under his leadership, the chamber established the "Hiring 500,000 Heroes" campaign to encourage businesses of all sizes to commit to hiring veterans and spouses. To date, more than 1,800 businesses have pledged to hire 475,000 veterans and spouses, with 290,000 now working since March 2012.
Regional head of markets, North America, for Citi, Suni Harford was recognized for being the driving force behind "Citi Salutes," a one-stop resource for information on career opportunities, money management tools, partnerships with veteran service organizations, and banking products and services tailored to the military and veteran community. She was also instrumental in creating Veterans on Wall Street or VOWS, a coalition of banks committed to developing careers for veterans and family members.
"I had such a wonderful day, so inspired all over again; it's really 'fantabulous,'" Harford said about the recognition. "I'm very humbled and proud to be representing Citi." She said thousands of employees all over Wall Street have become engaged in veterans initiatives.
Following graduation from St. John's University in New York, Naranjo enlisted in the Army on 9/11, and became a combat medic and certified occupational therapy assistant. Following his military service, he became a civilian contractor at what is now called Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he serves as an occupational therapy assistant.
Naranjo also serves as the Adaptive Sports Program coordinator and has implemented innovative sports and recreation programs for wounded Service members, which have improved their treatment experiences and rehabilitation. He and his team now oversee more than 100 adaptive programs, and he has personally treated more than 1,000 wounded warriors to date, with several competing at the professional Paralympic level. He also introduced service and therapy dog programs at Walter Reed, which provide physical and emotional support for recovering Service members.
"For me, this award is a reflection of all the people I work with at the hospital; they're all dedicated to the care of our Service members," Naranjo said. "While I was highlighted, this is for everyone I have the pleasure to work with, learn from and care for."
Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner was instrumental creating the Home Base Program, a partnership between the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital. Home Base has provided care and support for more than 4,500 veterans and families in New England, and trained more than 10,000 clinicians throughout the United States to better prevent, diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, referred to as PTSD and TBI respectively.
Werner said he didn't know anything about PTSD and TBI until after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2007, and visited with wounded warriors at Walter Reed. When he heard that some 40 percent of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffered from PTSD, he knew he had to do something. That's when Home Base was born.
"I'm a pretty humble guy, so I don't think of this award as an honor for me," he said. "I really think it's an honor for the innovative and constructive work that the program is doing every day."
Television journalist Bob Woodruff was embedded with Soldiers in Iraq when he was critically wounded by a roadside bomb in 2006. Suffering from traumatic brain injury, Woodruff was kept in a medically induced coma for over a month to assist his recovery.
While recovering, The Bob Woodruff Foundation was co-founded by him and his family. Woodruff's experiences inspired them to help make sure veterans and their families have access to the highest level of support and resources possible. The Bob Woodruff Foundation has helped find, fund and shape more than 100 innovative programs in education and employment; rehabilitation and recovery; and quality of life. To date, the foundation has invested more than $22 million to provide resources and support to more than one million Service members.
"This is the greatest honor I could have imagined," he said following the Tattoo. "I just hope we continue to achieve our goals and help shape innovative programs."
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