Daschle receives Guard honor Sen. Tom Daschle expressed his appreciation for the brave men and women of the National Guard after receiving the Charles Dick Medal of Merit in Sioux Falls on Saturday evening.
Awarded by the National Guard Association of the United States, the Charles Dick Medal of Merit honors former Sen. Charles Dick, whose tireless efforts in Congress helped establish the modern National Guard a century ago. The award is given to a public official who has demonstrated exceptional service on behalf of the National Guard.
"Charles Dick understood the importance of the National Guard and it is truly an honor to receive the award that bears his name," said Sen. Daschle. "The courageous men and women who serve our country and our state in the guard are critical to our national defense, and they have more than earned our respect and gratitude."
Daschle recently led the fight in Congress to provide members of the National Guard access to TRICARE, the military health care system. Legislation recently signed into law allows members of the Guard and Reserves who do not have access to private insurance to purchase TRICARE coverage for a modest premium.
Richard C. Alexander, president, National Guard Association of the United States, called the legislation "the most significant victory the Guard and Reserves have had in Congress since the passage of the Montgomery GI Bill."
"Our fight to provide benefits and services to members of the National Guard is far from over," added Daschle. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to ensure that National Guard members receive the benefits and services they deserve."
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