Steve and Liz Alderman from Armonk, New York After Liz
and Steve Alderman lost their son, Peter, in the World Trade Center
attack on September 11, 2001, they founded the Peter C. Alderman
Foundation. The Foundation works to heal the emotional wounds of victims
of terrorism and mass violence by establishing clinics in post-conflict
countries including Cambodia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Haiti. The Aldermans
receive the Citizens Medal for aiding the victims of conflict who might
otherwise go unaided.
Clarence Lee
Alexander, Fort Yukon, Alaska Sometimes called the
“grandfather of tribal government” in Alaska for his long-held role as
Chief of Fort Yukon, Clarence Alexander has worked extensively to clean
up the Yukon River, resulting in the closure of numerous open-burning
dumps and the removal or recycling of millions pounds of waste.
Alexander receives the Citizens Medal for demonstrating how much good a
dedicated leader can accomplish.
Camilla Bloomquist, Penn Yan, New York For more than
30 years, Milly Bloomquist has created and operated numerous programs to
help the poor and underserved in Penn Yan, New York. She founded Food
for the Needy and Christmas for the Needy, and recently implemented the
Weekend Backpack Program in Yates County, which provides children free
meals at their schools. Bloomquist receives the Citizens Medal for her
lifelong commitment to serving those in need.
Judith Broder, Studio City, California
In 2004, Judith Broder created The Soldiers Project, which has worked to
meet the mental health needs of service members, their families, and
returning veterans. The Soldiers Project seeks to decrease the
disruptive effects of repeated deployments, enhance post-deployment
transition and re-integration, and mitigate suffering related to PTSD,
TBI, substance abuse, domestic violence, and depression. Broder receives
the Citizens Medal for her dedication to those who serve this country.
Vijaya Emani, Strongsville, Ohio
Vijaya Emani became a role model for victims of domestic abuse because
of her strength and determination in overcoming domestic abuse in her
own life. She broke a long held taboo in the Indian American community
by speaking out about the issue publicly. Although she was killed in a
tragic vehicle accident, her example and message live on. Emani
posthumously receives the Citizens Medal for her courage in overcoming
and speaking out against abuse.
John Keaveney, Los Angeles, California In 1992, John
Keaveney, a Vietnam combat veteran, founded New Directions, a home for
homeless and disabled veterans with addiction and mental health
problems. Keaveney overcame personal struggles and turned his life
around in the 1980s. He decided that no veteran who asked for help
should suffer what he did. When he began his program, he made a promise
that no veteran would leave it unless he had a suit, a place to stay,
and an income. Keaveney receives the Citizens Medal for ensuring that
America keeps its promises to veterans.
Roger Kemp, Leawood, Kansas Roger
Kemp faced the ultimate parent's nightmare when his daughter Ali, 19,
was killed by a predator in the summer of 2002. In response Kemp created
The Ali Kemp Defense Education (TAKE) Foundation. Inspired by his belief
that his daughter could have survived if she had an edge on her
attackers, TAKE has trained more than 46,000 women in self-defense. Kemp
receives the Citizens Medal for working to empower young women to
prevent themselves from becoming victims.
Janice Langbehn, Lacey, Washington
While on vacation with her family in February 2007, Janice Langbehn's
partner, Lisa Pond, suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital.
Langbehn was refused access to her partner, who had experienced a brain
aneurysm and later died alone. She filed a federal lawsuit and her story
received attention from President Obama, who went on to revise hospital
visitation rights for gay and lesbian couples for hospitals receiving
federal Medicare or Medicaid funds. Langbehn receives the Citizens Medal
for her efforts to ensure all Americans are treated equally.
Ida Martin, Bluffton, South Carolina
Ida Martin created Bluffton Self Help to assist working families,
disabled residents, and senior citizens in the Bluffton, South Carolina
area when they suffered a financial crisis. In 2010 alone, Bluffton Self
Help provided food to 11,600 people and clothing to almost 9,000 people.
Additionally, Bluffton Self Help provided families with short-term
emergency financial assistance toward housing and utility assistance,
medical assistance, or children's program assistance. Martin receives
the Citizens Medal for providing relief to many in moments of despair.
Margaret Martin, Los Angeles, California
After observing LA gang members stop at a Hollywood market to listen to
a kid playing Brahms on a small violin, she founded the Harmony Project
in 2001 to make quality arts education available to those in the most
underserved, gang-reduction zones of Los Angeles. The organization has
provided instruments and tuition-free music lessons to thousands of
children in Los Angeles who would otherwise have no access to classical
music. Martin receives the Citizens Medal for replacing violence in
children's lives with music.
Michelle McIntyre-Brewer,Jefferson, Maryland Michelle
McIntyre-Brewer is a military spouse, mother, and founder of Soldier's
List. She founded Soldier's List in 2003 to support high-risk service
members and their families. Soldier's List has sent tens of thousands of
care packages around the world providing critical medical relief.
McIntyre-Brewer works diligently with the military community to educate
families about their rights and responsibilities within Tricare and
other services offered. McIntyre-Brewer receives the Citizens Medal for
going above and beyond on behalf of our troops and their families.
Roberto Perez, Miami, Florida As
President of Alfalit, a non-profit organization combating illiteracy,
Roberto Perez has led the charge for fighting illiteracy from Africa to
South America. The organization has helped 7 million people learn to
read in 22 countries. Perez previously worked as a social worker and as
an ordained Methodist Pastor counseling prison inmates and recovering
alcoholics. Perez receives the Citizens Medal for his passion and work
on behalf of the less fortunate around the globe.
