The U.S. Naval Academy recognized 15 midshipmen for their significant contribution to the community during the 2011 Community Service Awards Ceremony held in Memorial Hall May 26.
The midshipmen's achievements represented the service of the Midshipman Action Group (MAG), a midshipmen-run volunteer organization. For several years, MAG has been responsible for organizing and coordinating numerous hours of community service programs and projects.
Midshipmen 1st Class Alison Degan, Natalie Logan and Christopher Memminger received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for their outstanding public service from June 2007 through May 2011.
“These young men and women are truly the best of the best. They have taken the time to help others and their community without expecting anything in return. They embody service above selves. They are national treasures, brothers and sisters. They are our sons and daughters,” said Capt. Robert E. Clark II, commandant of midshipmen at the academy. “We are also here to recognize the potential that these future warriors have for the better of our community, Navy, Marine Corps, nation, but most importantly our future.”
Degan, MAG president during the Spring semester, was distinguished for vetting new community service ideas, identifying and assisting project leaders, and communicating projects to midshipmen as well as the community. Due to her efforts, MAG executed approximately 20,000 volunteer hours during the 2010-2011 academic year. Degan was the driving force in recruiting efforts and instrumental in the successful execution of the Special Olympics swimming and track and field events hosted by the Naval Academy. She was also integral to the success of the Habitat for Humanity projects and the Mids for Kids tutoring program.
Logan, the Midshipmen Black Studies Group president, created many opportunities to volunteer and engage within the community. Her efforts were instrumental in the seamless cooperation between the Midshipmen Black Studies Club and the Naval Academy chapter of the Benjamin Banneker Society in mentoring local, underprivileged students. She volunteered countless hours to the planning and execution of various community Black History Month quiz bowls. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the coordination of the National Society of Black Engineers' “Walk for Education” events, in which midshipmen reached out to local children wanting to learn more about college and funding options.
Memminger, Vice President of the Midshipmen Action Group, was also distinguished for his superb community service. As a Plebe, he worked in Nigeria to help rebuild a dilapidated school for AIDS orphans. He organized over 200 midshipmen for the Suicide Prevention Walk of Annapolis for two separate years. Memminger was instrumental in organizing the brigade's Harvest for the Hungry program in which 3.2 tons of food were collected for the local food bank. Additionally, he organized and executed the spring break community service trip to the Crow Nation in Montana to rebuild facilities on the Indian reservation.
Other awards presented to MAG members included the Navy League Award, Mayor of Annapolis citation, Mayor of Annapolis Certificate, Today's Community of Hope Award, USAA Award, and Friends of Annapolis Trails Award.
To receive the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, a member's service must be related to the civilian community, include the military family community, be significant in nature and produce tangible results, reflect favorably on the military service and the Defense Department, and be of a sustained and direct nature.
