Distinguished Service Medal presented to Navy during national convention.
After receiving The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) on behalf of the U.S. Navy, Rear Adm. Robert C. Nowakowski praised the organization for its support, saying it fulfils a critical role for the maritime-based branch of service.
The award was presented Aug. 26 in Tampa during The American Legion National Convention. Nowakowski, Deputy Commander of Naval Education and Training Command - Force Development, offered up gratitude for both the award and the Legion’s advocacy.
“On behalf of the United States Navy and its more than 610,000 active-duty and reserve sailors and civilians stationed around the globe, thank you very much,” he said. “I’m also thankful for the work done each day by The American Legion, now in its 106th year of service. Thank you for fierce advocacy of American patriotism and our military and veteran community. Also, thank you for honoring our past, serving in our present and investing in our future.
“Honoring service and strength in the communities sustains that pathway to potential, not just for sailors but for all Americans. Your support, your advocacy and your recognition fuel the morale in our sailors and the strength of our Navy, ensuring that the next 250 years of service remain as steadfast as our first.”
The U.S. Navy is coming up on its 250th birthday. During its existence it has “always met all challenges,” American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. said. “From those early days of naval service, certain bedrock principles have carried on through today. They are honor, courage and commitment. I say this about all of our branches, but there is no doubt that America has the greatest Navy.”
National security is just one mission of the U.S. Navy. “Because the seas are the lifeblood of the economy, our national security and our way of life, your Navy is operating around the world and around the clock, promoting prosperity and security, and deterring aggression,” Nowakowski said. “Today, and every day, you’ll find nearly 100 ships and submarines, and aircraft … deployed globally, providing U.S. leaders with peaceful leverage and diplomatic options always more effective than conflict. Being there matters.
“And when called upon, our Navy will preserve, persevere and make sure that we have peace. That starts with hundreds of thousands of skilled, highly trained and combat-ready warfighters that make our United States Navy.”
- Convention