Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Katie Eggers | Brig. Gen. David May, Wisconsin National Guard’s interim adjutant general, presents...... read more read more
Prior to serving as brigade engineer with the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Capt. Daniel Bruins commanded the 829th Engineer Company. Within weeks of taking command, his life was upended when his wife, Ashley, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
“I’m incredibly grateful that she’s currently cancer free, but that life event motivated us to seek out opportunities to help others in similar situations,” Bruins said.
The Bruins family volunteers to help set up his community’s “Pink Pumpkin Run,” an annual race held each fall to raise funds to help local families affected by breast cancer.
Additionally, Bruins has volunteered for various community projects and events, and is a youth baseball coach in Richfield, Wis.
In recognition of his service to his community and the Wisconsin National Guard, Bruins was awarded the 2024 1LT Thomas E. Wortham IV Achievement Award during a Feb. 1 ceremony at the Richards Street Armory in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin National Guard award is named for the late 1st Lt. Thomas E. Wortham IV, who served in both Troop A, 105th Cavalry and the Chicago Police Department. He was a civil servant who led neighborhood watches, mentored youth, and conducted interventions to positively influence children in his community. He is a Bronze Star recipient and veteran of two Iraq deployments. Tragically, Wortham was murdered nearly 15 years ago outside his parents’ Chicago home when four men attempted to steal his motorcycle.
Wortham’s sister, Sandra, spoke about what it means to her and her family that the Wisconsin National Guard continues to celebrate her brother’s service and passion by recognizing currently serving Wisconsin National Guard members.
“I almost started crying as soon as we walked in, because I know my brother is probably looking down on us and cannot believe that there is an award named after him and that almost 15 years later, this Guard and this state are still doing this very kind, gracious thing to honor him,” she said. “There really aren’t appropriate words to convey from my family, from our community, how grateful we are.
“Everyone who knew Thomas knows that this was his dream to be a Soldier and to be a police officer. We’re so grateful that he lived his dream. We are equally grateful that all of you continue to do the work that our world so sorely needs.”
Brig. Gen. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard’s interim adjutant general, presented the award.
“Captain Bruins is not only shaping the future of his community, but he is also embodying the very spirit of selflessness, service, and leadership that Lieutenant Wortham lived by,” May said. “You are a shining example of what it means to be a citizen-Soldier.”
Bruins thanked the Wortham family for attending the ceremony and encouraged his fellow Soldiers to follow Thomas’ example.
“I’d challenge everyone to find a cause that’s important to you and be involved in your community,” Bruins said. “Our communities are stronger when more people are involved, and often the only skill necessary is simply showing up.”
National leadership recognition
The Wortham award is the second significant recognition Bruins received within four months. In November, Bruins was presented the 2024 Gen. Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony held in Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Virginia.
The award is presented annually to recognize company-grade officers who demonstrate the ideals of duty, honor, and country. There were 27 recipients from the active Army, Army Reserve and National Guard in 2024. Bruins was one of seven National Guard recipients nationwide in recognition of his time as commander of the 829th Engineer Company.
Bruins said it was humbling and surreal when he learned he was selected to receive the award.
“It’s truly a testament to the men and women of the 829th,” Bruins said. “It’s recognition of their hard work and their talent.
“The most meaningful thing to me is the respect of the Soldier to my left and right. Awards are great, but at the end of the day, that respect from the people that you serve with means so much more.”
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.15.2025 11:19 |
| Story ID: | 495274 |
| Location: | MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 27 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Iron Brigade engineer recognized for community service, exceptional leadership, by SFC Katie Eggers, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
