SIDE SALAD - Everything crunchy is good.

IF YOU KNEW SUSAN, LIKE WE KNEW SUSAN...

Got this lovely note yesterday from my buddy Drew, who's serving as a battalion commander in Iraq.

It's about his wife, Susan, and an award she most deservedly won.

Jeff;

I can't even begin to explain to you the incredible responsibility of command in combat has been. The day to day decisions that place Soldiers' lives in harms way is a task I have never taken lightly. I don't tell you this for any sorrow or pity. I tell you this because I have taken this oath simply because I want what is best for my children, and my children's children.

I have traveled down a road that few commanders have by being both a Company Commander and now, a Battalion Commander in combat. Through it all, I can honestly say that I would have never made it without the love and support of Susan. She is all my strength, passion and devotion to duty. I will never be able to grasp all the pain and suffering I have placed on her due to my pursuits to lead Soldiers in combat. Through it all, she has never let me, my Soldiers, or my Soldiers' Families down. All the while, she has kept our family strong through long periods of time while I am away doing "Stuff."

Attached is a picture of Susan and the boys after she was awarded the Mary Walker Award. Also attached is her award nomination. Below is a brief description of who Mary Walker was, what she represents, and what the award is given for. It is a small token of recognition compared to all the lives that Susan has touched through her devotion to me, our Army Family, and our Nation.

Take Care;

Drew

We couldn't be more proud of her. As much as the Salad clan has been wowed by Drew's dedication and service in the 5 years we've known them both, the fortitude and composure shown by Susan - both during her husband's deployments and while he's actually been home to give her hell - has blown all of us away. She's passed those qualities to her boys with her amazing example.

Here's a description of the award:

The FORSCOM Dr. Mary E. Walker (DRMEW) award is a reward for Army spouses whose achievements and performance merit special recognition. The DRMEW award is a means of recognizing those who have contributed significantly to the quality of life for soldiers, exemplifying personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of soldiers and concern for families of soldiers.

Dr. Mary E. Walker: The name of the only woman in United States history to receive the Medal of Honor. She was a humanitarian devoted to the care and treatment of the sick and wounded during the Civil War, often at the risk of her own life. She was a patriot dedicated and loyal to her country, serving on a volunteer basis as a field surgeon.

And here is the nomination note that listed her overwhelming qualifications for the honor:

Subject: Dr. Mary E. Walker Award
Volunteer Name: Susan Meyerowich, Army Spouse
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment
Position: Battalion Family Readiness Group Leader and Crisis Response Team Member
Submitted by: CPT Ryan Piotrowski, Rear Detach Commander
Date: 23 January 2007

Susan has gone above and beyond in working with the Wolfhounds on a daily basis. She has provided exceptional guidance, direction, and oversight to her six FRG companies. Susan always takes time to assist with the many issues involved with the families of over 800 Soldiers assigned or attached to the Wolfhounds. Susan has arranged for several agencies to provide useful and sought after classes to spouses at battalion FRG meetings. She was open minded and focused on delivering to the community what was requested and made sense. Susan made it a point to meet new Soldiers and their families in order to invite them into the Wolfhound FRG and make them aware of the many contacts and resources available to them. Susan is an excellent team builder and inspired all of her FRG Leaders to stay motivated during the many issues and drama associated with a deployment. Susan also coordinated and executed the collection of over 180 gifts for the Holy Family Home Orphanage in Osaka, Japan this last winter.

Susan has displayed even more selfless service to the community and families through her actions as a Crisis Response Team member and Family Readiness Group Leader. She has been called on during all hours of the night and day to assemble with the Crisis Response Team and provide care to families of seriously injured or killed Soldiers. Other than providing care and contact to families of injured or killed Soldiers, Susan managed the flow of information to the FRG at the same time and always arranged a prayer vigil to take place in conjunction with any memorial ceremonies done in Iraq. The prayer vigil paid major dividends in keeping the Wolfhound family strong by allowing spouses, veterans, and friends to come together on a more personal level and express feelings together. Susan continues to follow up on all casualties and killed Soldiers and is more than willing to assist with mailing photos, cards, and flowers to families. Susan was always there for and dedicated the majority of her time to the community.


In addition to her FRG Leader and CRT duties, Susan has devoted time to teach religious education, 7th Grade Confirmation Prep Class on Schofield Barracks and serves as a Eucharistic Minister Coordinator, board member of the Church Council. Her other volunteerism activities include Parent Volunteer and Scholastic Book Fair Co-Coordinator, St. Michael’s School and Waipio Panthers Pee-Wee Division – Team Mom (one of four!) Her involvement in the Army community is constantly present with the Wolfhounds and the rest of the 25th Infantry Division.

Ryan Piotrowski
CPT, IN
Commanding

Philip Hughes
MAJ, USA
Commanding

Congratulations, Susan. We love you and miss you

Posted by Jeff at March 19, 2007 05:42 AM | TrackBack