CITIZEN SUPPORT FOR our ARMED SERVICES AWARD

The Citizen Support for Our Armed Services Award recognizes individuals who support and serve the Armed Forces in outstanding ways as civilians. This award is presented on Monday evening at the Armed Forces Week Banquet.

A few notable past recipients include Bob Uecker, former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers; Meg Jones, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter; Dan Buttery, Iraq veteran and founder of the Fisher House Foundation and Chas Mulcahy, co-founder of the Veterans Community Relations Team.

Major Richard I. Bong Award

This award is named after a revered Wisconsin native and highly respected "ace" in World War II who lost his life in an air crash while serving in the Air Force as a test pilot after the war.  The Bong Award was designed to recognize and acknowledge individuals within the greater Milwaukee area who are currently demonstrating outstanding traits of leadership and professionalism through their contributions to their Guard or Reserve military unit and to the community. This award is presented Monday morning of Armed Forces Week at the ESGR Breakfast.

GARY WETZEL AWARD

The award is named after Gary Wetzel, who was a Private First Class serving as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company when his helicopter was shot down and the survivors, including Wetzel, came under heavy enemy fire. Despite devastating injuries, Wetzel remained at his position until he had eliminated the threat thereby protecting and saving the lives of his crew and others. Wetzel survived his wounds, although his left arm had to be amputated. He was subsequently promoted to Specialist Four and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. This award is presented Monday night at the Armed Forces Week Banquet to members of one of our armed services who have served with valor while currently on active duty.  The award may also be give to a person who has been retired for two or fewer years.  One posthumous award has been given.

Lance Sijan Awards

​This award is named for Captain Lance Peter Sijan, USAF, the first Medal of Honor recipient from the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Sijan, a Milwaukee area native, was an F-4 pilot in Vietnam whose plane went down over enemy territory.  Though badly injured he initially evaded capture but was eventually taken prisoner.  His constant resistance and efforts to escape inspired other captives.  Sijan died from his injuries, torture, and starvation while in captivity and it was not until other captives who returned following the war and told his story that he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.  The award named for him is presented to those who have served with valor in past wars and have been selected by the Armed Services Committee.  Several posthumous awards have been given.  The presentation is made at a luncheon during Armed Forces Week.