FORT LESLEY J. MCNAIR, D.C. (Feb. 10, 2012) -- The U.S. Army Military District of Washington's Family of the Year Program recognizes strong military families who embrace their service to the nation and are role models to others in their community. That definition is amply fulfilled by the family of Staff Sgt. Michael C. Drake, D Company, 4th Battalion, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), stationed at Joint Base Myer - Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va.
Drake and his family were formally recognized as the 2011 MDW Family of the Year by Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, commanding general of the Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region (JFHQ-NCR) and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW) during a Town Hall Meeting at Fort McNair, Feb. 10, 2012.
Linnington presented the family an MDW Certificate of Appreciation and a Dept. of the Army Commander's Award for Public Service, and commented on their incredible dedication of time and effort.
The certificates highlighted the Drake's community service coaching, teaching and mentoring five-year old children in soccer, working with the New Hope housing Homeless Shelter, coordinating and operating the Rising Hope Hypothermia Shelter during the winter months, and volunteering at the Kennedy Shelter as reflections of their commitment to the community.
"My wife Dana and I were shocked when we found out we were selected for this award," said Staff Sgt. Michael Drake. "It's a real honor but we didn't think we were doing anything that anybody else isn't doing."
The Drakes have been stationed in the NCR with the Old Guard for the past two and half years and have four children, ages 20, 8, 6 and seven and a half months. Their two youngest children attended the ceremony with them.
Linnington also presented command coins to 20 members of his staff in recognition of their high performance during the past quarter.
The rest of the Town Hall Meeting focused on specific command issues regarding civilian decrements, protected health information and long range calendar items to include the presidential inauguration to be held in 2013.
MDW serves as the Army Forces Component and core staff element of the JFHQ-NCR to conduct operations that deter, prevent, and respond to threats aimed at the National Capital Region; and conducts world-class ceremonial, musical and special events in support of our Nation's leadership.
Related Links:
Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington
Social Sharing