The California National Guard Adjutant General today presented
Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) with the Guard’s second highest
meritorious award, the California Medal of Merit.
The California National Guard issues the Medal of Merit award
for exceptionally meritorious service to the state or nation by
a civilian or member of the armed services in a duty of great
responsibility; or to any person who, by unselfish and untiring
activities in connection with the National Guard, has rendered a
distinct service in furthering the interest of and in promoting
the security and welfare of the state.
“I am pleased to present this award to Senator Cogdill, who has
been a longtime friend to not only the California National
Guard, but all of California’s veterans and military personnel,”
said Major General William H. Wade II, Adjutant General of the
California National Guard. “This award recognizes all of Senator
Cogdill’s achievements on behalf of our servicemen and women. In
particular, we applaud his efforts to correct the inequity that
made California the only state in the nation that did not
provide an education benefit to its citizen soldiers.”
Brigadier General Mary Kight, Assistant Adjutant General of the
California National Guard, testified in legislative committees
in favor of the National Guard education benefit legislation and
worked toward its passage. “Senator Cogdill’s tireless work on
behalf of the California National Guard demonstrates his
unwavering commitment to our servicemen and women. We have been
proud to partner with him on legislation to ensure our troops
have the tools they need for a brighter future,” stated
Brigadier General Kight.
“I am humbled by the brave men and women who keep us safe.
Whether it’s keeping the peace here at home or abroad, our
troops selflessly answer the call of duty,” said Senator
Cogdill, who is an Air National Guard veteran. “I thank the
California National Guard and Major General Wade for this honor.
I’ve been proud to advocate on behalf of our brave military
service members and help expand their rights as a small token of
appreciation for their dedicated service to our state and
nation.”
While serving in the Assembly and Senate, Senator Cogdill
carried a number of bills to expand rights for veterans and
military personnel:
July 2009 Budget: The Governor signed a budget trailer bill that
was identical to a bill carried this year by Senator Cogdill,
SB 815. Under this new law, California no longer has the
dubious distinction as the only state in the nation that did not
provide a tuition benefit to its brave National Guard troops.
SB 1455 (2008): Allows families of fallen soldiers to
remember their loved ones with special Gold Star license plates.
SB 386 (2007): Allows the spouse of a former prisoner of war
to keep specialized license plates after the death of their
loved one.
AB 189 (2003): Exempts veteran’s organizations from sales
and use taxes when serving meals as part of a fundraiser.
After receiving the California Medal of Merit award, Senator
Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) stands on the Senate floor with members
of the California National Guard and former legislative staffer
Kevin Walkow. This photo was taken in the California State
Senate Chambers, Sacramento, CA. Photo credit: Lorie Shelley,
California State Senate
Major General William H. Wade II, Adjutant General of the
California National Guard, presents Senator Dave Cogdill
(R-Modesto) with the California Medal of Merit award. This photo
was taken in the California State Senate Chambers, Sacramento,
CA. Photo credit: Lorie Shelley, California State Senate
