CHESTERFIELD, Mich. -- U.S. Representative Candice Miller was presented the Harry S. Truman Award at the Selfridge Base Community Council luncheon held today at Zuccaro's Banquets and Catering.

The Truman Award is the National Guard Association of the United States' highest honor, and according to NGAUS, is given to those who have made sustained contributions of exceptional and far-reaching magnitude to the defense and security of the United States in a manner worthy of recognition at the national level. The large plaque, which depicts Minutemen from the original thirteen colonies in their state specific uniforms, was presented to the  congresswoman by retired Major General Gus Hargett, President of the National Guard Association of the United States.

Referring to Mrs. Miller, Hargett stated, "She has been a true stalwart for the Guard...she's not about words, she's about action." He then described to the crowd of approximately 250 BCC members how it was the congresswoman's influential efforts which made the difference in the 2011 fight for the National Guard Empowerment Act, giving the Chief of the National Guard a voting seat at the Joint Chiefs of Staff level. Miller was also instrumental in the delay action of the 2013 Air Force budget, allowing planes and personnel to remain at Selfridge Air National Guard Base's 127th Operations Group and 107th Fighter Squadron, and other Air Guard installations around the country.

Addressing the crowd largely made up of constituents from her home district, Congresswoman Miller thanked the National Guard for their willingness to deploy and represent communities alongside active duty Soldiers and Airmen as part of the total force. She also explained her personal philosophy on politics. "I always try to remind myself, with all the challenges our nation faces, the first requirement of our Congress is to provide for the national defense," she said.

Rep. Miller becomes the first woman to receive this award. Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, Michigan Adjutant General, and Michigan National Guard's Command Sergeant Major Dan Lincoln were also in attendance at this BCC luncheon which featured a presentation by another Team Selfridge commander, Commander Joe Deer of Coast Guard Air Station Detroit.  

The Selfridge Base Community Council works to continue and improve the relationship between the civilian community and the military service community and has been in existence formally since the early 1980s.  The council works closely with the 127th Wing, Michigan Air National Guard, which is also the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

Comprised of approximately 1,700 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operation Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at the southeast Michigan base, which marked its 95th year of continuous military air operations in 2012.