Brother, sister honored for war support
By Joice Anderson Jeffries
Diversity Institute Fellow
08.06.03
A federal military organization gave two Hendersonville youths certificates of appreciation on Tuesday for their support of U.S. troops and reservists fighting in Iraq.
The Department of Defense and Operation Tribute to Freedom recognized Michael Martin, 7, and his sister Ashley, 17, for organizing a rally in April at Memorial Park to recognize war heroes in the Hendersonville area. Ashley said about 350 people attended the gathering.
The Martins received the Operation Tribute to Freedom and the Seven Seals certificates.
The Freedom certificate is given to recognize individuals for supporting the military in area communities. The Seven Seals certificate is given to individuals who support the reserve units of all seven branches of the military.
Ric Sitler, a volunteer public affairs officer for the Tennessee National Guard and Reserve, read a prepared statement from Gen. Richard B. Meyers, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.
“Pentagon officials have been inundated with requests from communities, companies and individuals asking how they can show their support and say ‘thanks for the great job our young people have done and continue to do,” Myers said in the statement.
Michael Martin said he and his sister are honored to be Americans.
“We are free, and not like other countries,” he said.