Gov. Easley receives the National Guard Bureau Distinguished Service Award

Raleigh, N.C. — The National Guard Bureau Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gov. Mike Easley Thursday in Raleigh.

Easley has been a strong advocate for the military, especially on behalf of North Carolina military families and children.

His efforts have resulted in more equipment for deployed National Guard units; state funding for health and mental health services for combat veterans; college scholarships for children of National Guard members killed or disabled while on active duty; in-state tuition for military dependents; and funding for morale support programs at all military facilities across the state.

In 2006, he launched the “N.C. Supporting Military Children” institutes to help educators better understand the challenges faced by children whose parents are deployed.

This year, Easley obtained state funds to open three Super Family Assistance Centers to help military families get faster and better access to information, referrals and guidance on military benefits and support programs.