Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Governor Culver Presents ROTC Governor’s Cup Awards
Governor also proclaims May 7, 2008 “Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day”
(DES MOINES) – Today, Governor Chet Culver presented the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Governor’s Cup Award for outstanding achievement to selected students from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Drake University , University of Dubuque , and the University of Northern Iowa . The awards are presented annually by Governor Culver to top students in eight ROTC programs at five universities. The awards “honor the men and women for leadership, academics, and military achievement.”
Governor Culver said, “I’m proud of the accomplishments of these outstanding student leaders. They have worked hard in the classroom and I commend their military achievements. The Governor’s Cup Award is given to the best of the best, and these young people have excelled academically and in ROTC.”
This year’s recipients are:
- Cadet Colonel John T. Powers, University of Iowa Air Force ROTC. He is the son of Bernie and Linda Powers, Davenport , Iowa .
- Cadet Lieutenant Colonel David W. Judson, University of Dubuque Army ROTC. He is the son of Bill and Ellen Judson, Woodstock , Ill.
- Cadet 1st Lieutenant Micah Rasmussen, University of Northern Iowa Army ROTC. He is the son of Marvin and Beth Rasmussen, Jefferson , Iowa .
- Cadet Major Tyler Smith, University of Iowa Army ROTC. He is the son of Randy and Julie Smith, Grinnell , Iowa .
- Cadet Major Mary Sue Nowacki, Drake University Army ROTC. She is the daughter of Ronald and Barbara Nowacki, Dubuque , Iowa .
- Cadet Major Mark A. Conway, Iowa State University Army ROTC. He is the son of Mark and Mary Conway, Cedar Falls , Iowa .
- Midshipman 1/C Justin M. Wedel, Iowa State University Naval ROTC. He is the son of Pamela Wedel, and Doug and Lisa Wedel, Fairmont , Minn.
- Cadet 1st Lieutenant Jessica J. Hackbarth, Iowa State University Air Force ROTC. She is the daughter of Bruce and Jennifer Hackbarth, Algona , Iowa .
At today’s ceremony, Governor Chet Culver also expressed his sincere gratitude, thanks and respect to the estimated 115,000 Iowans who served in the Vietnam War. He also issued a proclamation, proclaiming today “Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day.”
Governor Culver said, “As Governor, I’ve attended emotional ceremonies across the state for many Iowans serving overseas. It is unfortunate that the same level of appreciation was too often not extended to the brave men and women who served in Vietnam . Today, we recognize Iowa ’s Vietnam veterans for their service to their country during a difficult time in American history. I commend the Iowa Senate for their resolution, and today I proudly proclaim May 7, 2008 as ‘Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day’ in the State of Iowa .”
The Iowa Vietnam War Memorial on the State Capitol Complex lists the names of the 869 Iowans who died serving in Vietnam .
Earlier this week, Governor Culver traveled to Fort Dodge to sign into law HF 2124, a bill to expand the uses of the Veterans Trust Fund, SF 2134, a bill to improve county office operations, and HF 2283, a bill to reopen the Vietnam Bonus program for Vietnam veterans who were inducted into the military in Iowa, applied for the 1970’s Iowa Bonus, but were denied because of residency requirements.
Vietnam veterans can find more information on the Vietnam Conflict Veteran's Bonus at www.iowava.org or by calling the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-838-4692.