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Submariner Receives Distinguished Community Service Award
(September 5, 2010) |
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KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS - 9/2/2010) -- A crew member of the ballistic
missile submarine, USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Blue), received
the American Legion Spirit of Service Award in Milwaukee,
Wis., Aug. 31.
Missile Technician 3rd Class Thomas M. Lothridge was
presented the award for outstanding community service during
the American Legion's 92nd National Convention.
The American Legion, the nation's largest wartime veterans'
organization, honors representatives from the five armed
services annually for their outstanding military service and
active participation during off-duty hours in his or her
community.
"Our nation is fortunate to have such dedicated military
personnel as Tom Lothridge who represents the very finest
our nation has to offer," said Clarence E. Hill, the
American Legion National commander, who presented the award.
"For both his military and community service, Petty Officer
Lothridge is a credit to his uniform and to his country. The
American Legion is very, very proud of him."
Lothridge dedicated more than 381 hours of community service
since joining the Navy in 2006. His volunteer contributions
include working with mentally and physically handicapped
children, the Kings Bay Area Special Olympics and a local
Ronald McDonald House. He assisted in the construction and
renovation of the new wing of Ronald McDonald House, which
created housing for 15 underprivileged orphans.
Lothridge coordinated events to support the local
educational programs. He spearheaded the successful
completion of several projects at Matilda Harris Elementary
School by the planning, budgeting, mentoring and directing
other volunteers.
Raised in Walland, Tenn., Lothridge attended Heritage High
School, where he graduated in 2006. He enlisted in the Navy
the in October 2007.
He even organized educational events at the Woodbine
Elementary School Fall Festival and found private funding
and rallied military personnel support for several stations
at the school's field day.
Other efforts included building a Habitat for Humanity home
for a less fortunate family in Woodbine, Ga., serving as an
adult mentor at a Christian-based retreat for children and
coordinating the command's Adopt-A-Highway program.
Lothridge said his work with various schools added to his
previous service with the Special Olympics and Habitat for
Humanity.
"Before I started serving at the school, my volunteer hours
were kind of limited, and now I'm really helping people to
help people," said Lothridge. "Every time I help the kids, I
feel great."
Lothridge was shocked when he heard he had been selected to
receive the 2010 American Legion Spirit of Service Award.
"I was speechless for about a minute and a half," Lothridge
said. "The captain doesn't generally call people on their
cell phone, so I was pretty excited. This is such a great
honor." |
By Navy MT Seaman Grant Dauzat
Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Navy News Service
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