Roberta Diaz Brinton - Los Angeles, CA Roberta Diaz
Brinton has devoted her time and talents to improving science and
technology education for Los Angeles students. As Director of the
University of Southern California's Science, Technology and Research
(STAR) Program, Brinton has opened the doors of opportunity for
thousands of disadvantaged and minority inner-city youth. Brinton
receives the Citizens Medal for encouraging America's next generations
to reach for the stars.
Daisy M.
Brooks - Chicago, IL When a pregnant teenager with no
place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman
in. What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North
Chicago's young mothers and their infants. Brooks opened Daisy's
Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and
catalyst for young women to improve their lives. Brooks receives the
Citizens Medal for offering guidance and support.
Betty Kwan Chinn - Eureka, CA
Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have
fallen on hard times. Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became
mute. When she came to America, she found both her voice and her
mission: aiding those without shelter on our own shores. Today, Chinn
provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming
nation. Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America's promise
by serving those in need.
Cynthia
M. Church - Wilmington, DE Cynthia Church turned a
personal battle with cancer into a force for progress and change.
Dismayed by the lack of resources for women of color with breast cancer,
Church founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc, an African-American breast
cancer support network in Delaware. Church receives the Citizens Medal
for confronting the scourge of this terrible disease and working to halt
its spread.
Susan Retik Ger -
Needham, MA Susan Retik Ger understands the importance
of empowering women touched by personal tragedy. After losing her
husband on September 11, 2001, she found cause in educating and training
Afghan widows and their children. Her strength of spirit has healed
hearts and fostered mutual understanding. Retik Ger receives the
Citizens Medal for advancing women's rights and the power of America's
ideals.
Mary K. Hoodhood - Grand
Rapids, MI Physical limitations have not hindered Mary
K. Hoodhood's determination to strengthen her community. Though a car
accident left her paralyzed, Hoodhood began volunteering to feed the
hungry through her local Meals on Wheels program. In 2001, Hoodhood
founded Kids' Food Basket which provides meals to thousands of children
in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal
for her remarkable efforts.
Kimberly McGuiness - Cave Spring, GA Parent and
advocate, Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students.
Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators
helped spur the passage of Georgia's Deaf Child's Bill of Rights. She
has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives, raising
awareness and support for deaf education. McGuiness receives the
Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve.
Jorge Mu�oz - New York City, NY
Jorge Mu�oz recognizes that we all have a stake in one another. By
giving his time, energy, and resources to feeding the hungry, he has
demonstrated the enduring American values of sacrifice and kindness.
Mu�oz receives the Citizens Medal for his service and dedication to
creating a more hopeful tomorrow for the less fortunate among us.
Lisa Nigro - Chicago, IL Beginning
with a wagon full of coffee and sandwiches, Lisa Nigro's mission to aid
those living on the streets of Chicago has inspired us all. Her wagon
gave way to a restaurant for homeless men and women, expanding with
partner organizations to provide housing, job training, and vital
support to Chicagoans affected by poverty. Nigro receives the Citizens
Medal for her tireless service to her fellow citizens.
MaryAnn Phillips - Star Valley Ranch, WY
Caring for America's injured service members, MaryAnn Phillips embodies
strength and grace. An American citizen living in Germany, Phillips
volunteers with Soldiers Angels at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center .
She spends countless hours at the bedsides of our wounded warriors and
their families, caring for them, encouraging them, and grieving with
them. Phillips receives the Citizens Medal for putting her patriotism
into action for our troops and our nation.
Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam - Shaftsbury, VT
Devoted to preserving our nation's public lands, Elizabeth Cushman Titus
Putnam has inspired thousands of America's youth to protect our natural
bounty. Her vision to offer land restoration and maintenance service
opportunities became a reality with the birth of the Student
Conservation Association. Putnam receives the Citizens Medal for helping
ensure that our nation's treasured public lands are enjoyed by future
generations.
Myrtle Faye Rumph -
Inglewood, CA For decades, Myrtle Faye Rumph has lent
her talent and compassion to impacting the lives of at-risk youth. Her
commitment to reducing gun and gang violence in her community has
steered countless young men and women away from dangerous habits, and
altered the course of their futures. Rumph receives the Citizens Medal
for her tireless efforts to replace violence and despair in her
community with a beacon of hope and humanity.
Geo. J. Weiss, Jr. - Marine, MN
George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States
Marine Corps, reflects our nation's generous and selfless heart. In
1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today
consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military
honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans. Weiss receives the
Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation's veterans
and their families.
