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PRESS RELEASEOffice of Missouri State
Treasurer |
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PRESS RELEASEOffice of Missouri State
Treasurer |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Missouri Treasurer Sarah Steelman was honored on Tuesday at the Center for Security Policy 2006 “Keeper of the Flame” Award Banquet, which featured keynote remarks by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Steelman was given special acknowledgement at the event for policies and safeguards she has implemented in Missouri to ensure tax dollars are not invested in companies or countries that support or sanction terrorism.
Frank Gaffney Jr., former assistant Secretary of Defense for the Reagan Administration who now leads the Center for Security Policy in Washington, called Steelman’s efforts an “historic first step” on this front of the war on terror, and one that serves as a national model that should be emulated throughout the nation.
Steelman said she was honored to receive the recognition and the strong public support she has received in working to ensure tax dollars are not invested in terror-friendly nations or companies.
“I am so happy to receive this recognition on behalf of the great people of the state of Missouri who are showing the nation that we can play a big role in this fight against terror,” Steelman said. “This recognition is about the people of this nation and the brave men and women who are risking and giving their lives to keep our nation safe and free.
“We are making every effort to ensure our tax dollars are never used to support our enemies. It is the most worthy of efforts and I couldn’t be more honored than to represent our state in this special way.”
House Armed Services Committee Chairman, Rep. Duncan Hunter, was presented with this year’s Keeper of the Flame Award at the banquet. The award was presented by House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Lewis.
General Peter Pace, USMC, who serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at the banquet in a tribute recognizing five soldiers for outstanding acts of heroism they displayed in battle. The soldiers honored were:
· HM3 Luis Fonseca, USN, recipient of the Navy Cross for heroism in Iraq;
· Capt. Brain Contosh, USMC, recipient of the Navy Cross for heroism in Iraq;
· SGT. Michaeux Sanders, U.S. Army, recipient of the Silver Star for heroism in Iraq;
· LTJG Bradley Middleton, USCG, recipient of the Coast Guard Commendation Medal with Operational Distinguished Service for dedicated service in Iraq; and
· TSGT Stephen Achey, USAF, recipient of the Silver Star for heroism in Afghanistan.