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AMERICAN LEGION RECOGNIZES SPIRIT OF D7 COASTY AT NATIONAL CONVENTION
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Coast Guard Storekeeper Second Class Patricia Johnson, stationed at the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office in Charleston, S.C. received The American
Legion's Spirit of Service Award in recognition of her numerous volunteer efforts. American Legion National Commander John Brieden presented the award to Johnson during The American Legion's 86th National Convention at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel here. Johnson, a native of Monroe Township, New Jersey, was honored along with representatives from the other four military services.
The annual legislative gathering is the nation's largest veterans organization.
During the presentation, Brieden cited Johnson's volunteer work, which includes working as a volunteer team manager and buddy on the field with the Little League Baseball Challenger division providing children with disabilities the opportunity to experience the emotional development and fun of playing baseball. She also volunteers for Toys for Tots, the Partnership in Education Program and other causes. In these and other pursuits, Johnson has devoted countless hours to community service. Johnson has been on active duty since 2000. As those who work with Johnson at MSO Charkeston know, she is a devoted colleague, mother and role model for Coasties, said Theresa Roberts, administrative secretary. Patty provides all of us with inspiration, she said.
"Our nation needs Coast Guard service members such as Petty Officer Johnson to defeat terrorism, preserve freedom and uphold our laws at sea," said Brieden, who presented Johnson a membership in The American Legion as part of the award. "For both her military service and her community service, Petty Officer Johnson is a credit to her uniform and to her country. She makes me, and the other men and women of The American Legion, very proud."
When told she would be receiving The American Legion's Spirit of Service Award, Johnson said she "could not believe this happened to me. I just do a small part in this large world to help others." Johnson is delighted to become one of America's newest Legionnaires, adding, "I'm very honored to have this wonderful opportunity to serve with this outstanding organization."
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