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Joint Base service members honored at World Affairs Council 2012 Atlas Awards

  • Published
  • By Army Capt. Antonia Greene
  • 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Soldiers assigned to the 174th Infantry Brigade and its sister unit, the 72nd Field Artillery Brigade, First Army Division East stationed here were chosen to represent the Army at the 2012 World Affairs Council Atlas Awards in Philadelphia, Feb 6.

The Atlas Award was presented by area sponsors honoring U.S. troops and veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Retired Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Chairman of the Wall Street Warfighters Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of all troops and veterans. Pace spoke about duty, honor and the commitment of service members and thanked military families for their support.

"Our service members, less than one percent of the population and our military families right by our sides, volunteer to answer our nation's call, preserving the freedoms we hold dear," said Pace. "I'm proud to continue to serve as long as I can - to be a part of a program that is helping wounded and other veterans realize financial security, professional satisfaction and personal independence."

The mission of the Wall Street Warfighters Foundation is to identify, develop and place service-disabled veterans in careers in the financial services industry. Army Staff Sgt. retired Jerry Majetich, is one such wounded warrior who shared his inspirational story and credited the foundation for its mission.

"Without events like this, the organizations and people behind them, veterans like me and others like me wouldn't have a platform to accomplish real change," Majetich said about his partnership with the Wall Street Warfighters Foundation.

Majetich was wounded when his convoy was hit in 2005 by an explosively formed projectile. He suffered third-degree burns to more than 35 percent of his body. He was shot multiple times in the complex attack that followed. Seven years later and after 57 surgeries, Majetich took to the stage and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Amidst the loud clapping and congratulatory remarks, one could make out a humble man's voice claiming he's not the hero; those who didn't come home are the heroes.

The evening offered the soldiers, local leaders and non-profit organizations the opportunity to exchange ideas and business cards, developing potential new partnerships. The evening concluded with remarks from retired Army Col. Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient, educator and supporter of the World Affairs Council.

"It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet a man like Colonel Jacobs, he's a hero and fun to listen to," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Zandra Parker, 1st Battalion, 314th Infantry Regiment. "With only 81 living Medal of Honor recipients, I am honored to have spoken with him - it's something I will share and remember forever."