Photo By Sgt. David Hodge | Mary Kennedy accepts a 2007 Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award on behalf of her...... read more read more
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By Spc. David Hodge
1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – A 15-pound bronze bust stands atop its walnut pedestal – majestically glowing in the morning sunshine outside the nation's military headquarters in Washington. It bears the face of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, the honored World War II leader, and serves as a prestigious honor for effective military leadership awarded to outstanding junior officers in the U.S. Army.
Each year, 28 Soldiers gather at the Pentagon to be presented the prestigious MacArthur Leadership Award for their demonstrated professionalism and for displaying the ideas for which the former General of the Army stood for: duty – honor – and country.
Among those honored, May 14, was Capt. Edward Kennedy, the commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, who said he was as surprised as his family when he discovered he had been named as one of the awardees for this prestigious honor.
"I tribute this award to the non-commissioned officers and officers who have trained me over the years and made me the officer I am today," stated Kennedy, a graduate of West Point Class of 2000. "I was honored to be chosen, but I was not aware of the selection process until after the fact."
Kennedy's packet was submitted without his knowledge by Lt. Col. Matthew Elledge, his commander, who serves with 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., and it continued up the chain of command. A Department of the Army Headquarters selection board announced his selection for the award.
Fourteen awardees are chosen each year from the active Army component, and seven are selected from both the Army Reserve and Army National Guard.
Kennedy is currently deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he leads his infantry company on various missions to provide a safe and secure environment for the people of Iraq.
Because it was not feasible for Kennedy to leave his Soldiers and return home to receive his award, his mother, Mary, became the only member of the awardees group to accept the award on someone's behalf.
"I am exceedingly proud of him for his devotion to serving his country," Mary said. "I wish he could have accepted the award in person, but I am honored to do it for him."
After receiving the award, Mary went on a tour of the Pentagon, where she met with Gen. George Casey, the Chief of Staff of the Army. Later in the day, she attended an Association of the United States Army luncheon, where she was presented a commemorative watch for her son.
"I am happy my mother was able to receive the award," said Kennedy, who hails from Danbury, Conn. "She, along with my father, brought me up right and tried to instill a solid work ethic."
Kennedy's father, Robert, lost his life to cancer while his son served in support of OIF in 2006. Kennedy wished his father could be next to his mother's side during the ceremony, but Mary said that she knows her husband was there in spirit, adding that she knows that his father is looking down on him from heaven with "a big, beaming smile, watching out for him and his Soldiers."
"Ed is a very modest person," Mary said. "I know he credits this award to the many wonderful people he has served with.
Family members and friends accompanied Mary to Washington for the ceremony so she would not be alone.
"Overall, I just try to do my best, and I feel like I have achieved a lot over my lifespan," Kennedy said.
"There are a lot of accomplishments, friendships and moments – like the birth of my daughter and graduating from West Point – which I am proud of," he explained.
Kennedy said that his success as a leader is a direct reflection of the countless accomplishments of the many leaders, subordinates and peers he has had the honor to serve with since enlisting in the Army.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 05.21.2008 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 19652 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 280 |
| Downloads: | 233 |
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