Massachusetts Congresswoman Nikki Tsongas was recently presented with the NGUAS Charles Dick Medal of Merit. The presentation was made by MG Joseph Carter, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, LTC David Hencke, President of NGAMA and Pete Duffy, Legislative Director of NGAUS.
In her role as a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Tsongas has made a number of important long lasting contributions to the Guard. She has become increasing recognized as a leader in the areas of light weight body armour, improved quality of and access to military health care-especially for members of the National Guard and Reserves, increased awareness of and attention to traumatic brain injury and sexual assault prevention and treatment.
Congresswoman Tsongas worked with her colleagues to provide funding for the relocation and construction of a modern Joint Forces Headquarters (JFHQ) for the Massachusetts National Guard at Hanscom Field.
The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was established in 1988 and is designed to recognize the contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives to legislative bodies at the state and national levels.
The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, President of the National Guard Association of the United States from 1902 to 1909, a Major General in the Ohio National Guard, a Congressman and later a Senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.