Alabama governor and top officers recognize outstanding service members

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Photo by Sgt. Bethany McMeans.

MONTGOMERY, AL (05/14/2013)(readMedia)-- Gov. Robert Bentley honored outstanding service members from each U.S. military service and installation in Alabama during a luncheon today, at the Maxwell Club, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Ala.

The service members were recognized for being the most outstanding member of their organization as selected by their respective commands. Gov. Bentley, along with the Alabama National Guard's top officer, Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, presented each outstanding service member with a certificate of recognition after eating lunch with the service members and their family members.

"The service men and women who make up the members of our military should all be commended for their dedication to serving our country," said Bentley. "Those service members who are being honored have gone above and beyond what is asked of them. The fact that they are nominated for the awards by their commanders says a lot. I'm pleased to have the opportunity to thank them today and proud that they serve our country so well."

Alabama governors have recognized outstanding service members in this way for approximately the last 30 years. The event is normally held around Armed Forces Day, which is May 18 this year.

The Alabama National Guard senior enlisted service member usually arranges the event as the senior enlisted person under the governor's command. Command Sgt. Maj. Eddie Pike, Alabama National Guard's state command sergeant major, organized the event this year. "It means a lot to these young warriors to be recognized by the governor. They are truly outstanding young men and women and it is very fitting that we should recognize them in front of their commanders and families," said Pike.

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Gov. Robert Bentley sits at the head table with military leaders including Lt. Gen. David S Fadok (governor's left), commander of Air University, and Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith (governor's right), adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard, at a luncheon at Maxwell Air Force Base to recognize outstanding service members from around the state.