The National
Defense University Foundation honors the men and women of
the
National Guard with the 2014 American Patriot Award
because of their extraordinary dedication to ensuring the
safety and security of people around the world. They leave
their families and civilian lives, often at short notice, to
protect those facing conflict, natural disasters or national
emergencies.
The National Guard is America's oldest
military component with a lineage reaching back to its first
muster in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636. Today, the
National Guard comprises over 354,000 Army National Guard
soldiers and 106,000 Air National Guard airmen whose
predecessors have fought in every major American conflict
from the Revolution to the War on Terrorism.
Since Sept. 11,
2001, nearly 800 Guardsmen have made the ultimate sacrifice
as the nation has increasingly relied upon their service in
conflicts abroad. Daily, they guard our vital infrastructure
and, in moments of crisis, they are ready to protect us.
They rescued over 17,000 people during the hurricanes of
2005. They come to the aid of their neighbors following
tornadoes, during floods and in the wake of snowstorms.
The
National Guard's mission expands into the cyber domain as
they lead the way in cyber defense, protection and warfare.
Guard members also partner with militaries around the world
from over 65 countries in training and peace-building
missions, serving with our allies in places as diverse as
Jordan, Ukraine and Guatemala.
