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    Montana National Guard volunteers receive national awards

    Montana National Guard volunteers receive national awards

    Photo By Warrant Officer Michael Touchette | Gracie Leiva, Youth Volunteer of the Year for fiscal year 2021, prepares to take off...... read more read more

    BOZEMAN, MONTANA, UNITED STATES

    10.19.2022

    Story by Master Sgt. Michael Touchette 

    Montana National Guard Public Affairs Office

    Bozeman, MONT. – Two Montana National Guard Youth Program volunteers were presented with national-level awards by Maj. Gen. Pete Hronek, the Adjutant General of Montana, at a ceremony held on the Montana State University campus October 19.

    Gracie Leiva was selected as Youth Volunteer of the Year and Brynn Mortieau was selected as the Child and Youth Program Volunteer of the year for fiscal year 2021 by Maj. Gen. Eric K. Little, Director of Manpower and Personnel (J1), National Guard Bureau.

    “It is an accolade in itself to be recognized at the state level, but to have two of our volunteers recognized as the best amongst the 54 states and territories for their hard work and dedication is amazing,” said Hronek.

    “Combined, these two individuals have contributed nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer service to the Montana National Guard Child and Youth Program,” said Savanna Sill, the Montana National Guard’s Lead Child and Youth Program Coordinator.

    Leiva has amassed over 400 volunteer hours over the past four years, supporting 52 separate events, while Mortieau has supported 48 events over the past six years totaling more than 500 volunteer hours.

    “Gracie's organizational skills, wisdom, and foresight has been a crucial asset to our Program and the Teen Council,” said Sill. “Brynn is a former Teen Council Member and Vice President, who has continued to come back as an adult Volunteer at Camp Runnamucka each year and wants every military kid to feel like they belong and considers them family.”

    In addition to receiving plaques recognizing their award, Hronek presented both recipients with the Adjutant General’s challenge coin and the two received an incentive ride in a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.

    Leiva, a 2022 graduate of Jefferson High School and Mortieau, a 2020 graduate of Helena High School, both currently attend Montana State University in Bozeman.

    If you are interested in joining our team at the Montana Army National Guard, contact Sgt. 1st Class Seth Munro at (406) 439-8533.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.19.2022
    Date Posted: 11.02.2022 19:47
    Story ID: 432532
    Location: BOZEMAN, MONTANA, US

    Web Views: 118
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN