Official U.S. Army Commendation Enclosed:

[sgt.porter]

Got this in the mail today, any of you grunts seen this?

Dear Jonathan D Porter
You have been submitted for a Freedom Team Salute Commendation for your service as a United States Army Veteran.
America has always called upon the Army to do the hard jobs, and its Soldiers have always answered the call. We are a free Nation, a Nation looked upon by millions of people around the world as the standard-bearer of freedoms - freedoms guaranteed by our outstanding Soldiers and by the Veterans who have served our great Country in the Regular Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.
We are an Army of tradition. Our Greatest tradition is service to our Country, and in that service we ask our Soldiers to carry out tough missions all around the world. Answering the Nation's call may take Soldiers into harm's way, but is critical to the defense of America's freedom and security.
As today's Soldiers serve, the traditions and legacy passed on by Army Veterans in previous conflicts sustain them. Our Army would not be the best in the world without the service of it's Veterans who continue to provide support and exhibit patriotism. You make a difference in today's Army and to our Country.
Please accept the enclosed Army lapel pin. It symbolizes the partnership between our Army, it's Soldiers, their families and Veterans - a partnership as old as the Nation itself. As our partner, we hope that you will wear this pin with pride, as a statement of our shared commitment to support America's Soldiers.
We thank you for the honor of your past service with our Army and for your continued support of our Soldiers.
Sincerely,
George W Casey, Jr. General, United States Army Chief of Staff
John M McHugh Secretary of the Army

Came with a neat U.S. Army Veteran pin, wall certificate and a couple decals.

I've been out for 3 years and have never heard of the Freedom Team Salute.
Should I feel special? Or is this another blanket award?

 

[Bigum1969]

I'd say you should feel good about it.

And, thanks for your service!

 

[kedie]

I've never heard of that. Are all Army vets getting them?

 

[D-Ric902]

New one to me.

 

[Scutter01]

Freedom Team Salute

Freedom Team Salute - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



It looks like the program is now defunct, however:

Since its beginnings in 2005, FTS has recognized and honored the services of more than 2.3 million Parents, Spouses, Employers, Supporters and Army Veterans. While the Army will no longer be able to recognize individuals and organizations with FTS commendations, please know that we still appreciate the service and sacrifice of those who stand in support of our Soldiers and Veterans.
The success of FTS can be attributed to the Army’s Leadership; Veterans Service Organizations at the local, state, and national levels; Army units and installation leadership; and Soldiers themselves who took the opportunity to recognize those who supported them. FTS owes special thanks to our nearly 1,000 Ambassadors who unselfishly volunteered their time to support this program—much of the success of FTS can be directly attributed to their efforts.
The FTS staff and I want to personally thank all of those who supported our efforts. You have all made a difference in the lives of our Soldiers, Veterans, and the Army Family. Please continue to thank them for their service and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
COL David M. Griffith
Director, U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute
Thank you for your interest in the Freedom Team Salute (FTS) Program. We have been proud of the accomplishments of FTS—however, due to the Army’s multiple competing missions and demands on resources, FTS will cease operations at the end of February 2010. In order to allow time to process commendations before the program ends, FTS will stop taking commendation requests after 11 February 2010.

Also, it may be a blanket award, but you still deserve it. Thank you for your service.

 

[hornadylnl]

I got one of those a few months ago. It's taking up landfill space somewhere now.

 

[CombatVet]

Never heard of it.

 

[kedie]

It looks like the program is now defunct

I'm kinda glad to hear that. The way the .mil hands out awards it seems kind of pointless to add another one.

 

[sgt.porter]

I'm kinda glad to hear that. The way the .mil hands out awards it seems kind of pointless to add another one.

Well at least it wasn't a courageous restraint award.

 

[kedie]

Yeah, that one is .

 

[EvilleDoug]

Well, I don't have an award to pass along, all I can offer is my gratitude for your willingness to step up, unlike some who think the things we enjoy today and magically granted...no names mentioned.

Anyway, Thanks for your service,

Le Doug