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HomeNewsMajor General Robert Harris awards Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson with Above...

Major General Robert Harris awards Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson with Above and Beyond Award

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office - MCSOMontgomery County, TN – Major General Robert A. Harris, Assistant Adjutant General, is responsible for 10,500 combat ready Soldiers who make up the Tennessee Army National Guard and he visited Clarksville to assist with the presentation of three awards to Sheriff John Fuson.

Sheriff Fuson was recognized for his support of his employees who are members of the Air and Army National Guard as well as US Army Reservist.

Carl Lambert State Chair for the Tennessee Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve presents Sheriff Fuson with the “Patriot Award” from the Secretary of Defense
Carl Lambert State Chair for the Tennessee Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve presents Sheriff Fuson with the “Patriot Award” from the Secretary of Defense

“We are very proud to be here…. a lot of times we take it for granted that our leadership in Para-military organizations (Law Enforcement Agencies) are understanding of the folks that are in the Guard and Reserve and the difficulties they have in getting off to do this mission because of their work schedule, so I am very excited to be part of this and proud to help present these awards to you and your organization” said Harris.

Carl Lambert, State Chair for the Tennessee Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve explained to all how the ESGR represents Guard and Reservist in both seeking employment and maintaining employment of Citizen Soldiers over a full spectrum of professions.

Lambert stated, “These guys are professionals who have demonstrated the attributes and skills desired by employers… but the most enjoyable part of my job is to recognize employers who do what you (Fuson) do”. Lambert read the citation of the “Patriot Award” to Sheriff Fuson and thanked him for all he has done on behalf of the guard and reservist.

Major General Robert Harris expresses his gratitude for Sheriff John Fuson’s support of Soldiers prior to Awards presentation.
Major General Robert Harris expresses his gratitude for Sheriff John Fuson’s support of Soldiers prior to Awards presentation.

In addition, Sheriff Fuson accepted the “Above and Beyond Award” on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office for supporting Citizen Soldiers as well as their families. “This award is just what it says. You (Sheriff Fuson) know what the law says, but you have gone past that, above that especially when dealing with Guardsmen, their families and making sure that they have everything that they need…. giving them the assurance that their job is safe upon their return.”

Some of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, have deployed as many as three times over the last ten years in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and several smaller mobilizations in support of their State mission, responding to natural disasters throughout the country and overseas, as well as enhance the US Border Patrol in the South West and providing security for the Presidential Inauguration in D.C.

Currently Tennessee has 350 Soldiers downrange and the majority of those scheduled to deploy are from the 117th Military Police Battalion. The 117th MP BN CSM, Sonny Goodowens, shared how great it was to hear that your boss is being recognized while you are deployed, “it is one less thing to worry about in a combat zone”.

Sheriff John Fuson signs the Statement of Support which was also signed by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, while MG Robert Harris, CSM Dan Jennings and Deputies Michael Howard, Brandon Theis, James Owens, Marsel Gray, Theodore Rooding look on.
Sheriff John Fuson signs the Statement of Support which was also signed by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, while MG Robert Harris, CSM Dan Jennings and Deputies Michael Howard, Brandon Theis, James Owens, Marsel Gray, Theodore Rooding look on.

After being presented the Awards, Sheriff John Fuson signed a Statement of Support, which was previously signed by the Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel re-affirming his support for the guard and reserve and stated “To the people that work here, in addition to their National Guard job, it’s all about service, it’s in their hearts and minds, it’s what they want to do for our community. We are proud to have people like this is in our organization and I know you (MG Harris) are also proud to have the same folks in your organization that have service in mind. They are not doing it just for a paycheck or prestige, it’s what the feel in their heart and it’s their commitment to the values that built this country that really makes me appreciate all of you.”

Patriot Award Citation

Sheriff John Fuson was recognized for:

  • Exercising his right to continue pay beyond the 20 days of military leave required by State Law for Soldiers who are activated to duty for local emergencies or State crises.
  • Hiring of Tennessee Guardsman within his agency and ensuring all Soldier employees receive adequate representation and consideration for promotions and transfers within agency divisions.
  • Ensures that concerns of guardsman and their families wither deployed or conducting traditional obligations are immediately brought to his personal attention through Command Staff representation and “Open Door” policy.
  • Established and enforces a “Worry Free” workplace allowing Soldiers to concentrate on their Military task and not be distracted by their duties at the Sheriff’s Office when on drill status, training or activation.
  • Takes a vested interest in the Tennessee Army National Guard’s Defense Support of Civilian Agencies mission and maintains two way communications through the Homeland Security District 7, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
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