The 1st Annual Trojan Labor American Hero Awards was held the morning of May 16th, 2006 aboard the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Kruger B. Smith, the Mayor Pro Tem of Mt. Pleasant, introduced the special guest speaker, Major General Livingston, after members of Wando High School’s Jr. ROTC began the ceremony with a presentation of Colors. Major General James E. Livingston is a retired Marine, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from his outstanding service in the Vietnam War, and a Mt. Pleasant resident. His speech included remarks about the global war on terror and a sincere thanks to all the sacrifices made by members of the armed services. It called all attending to reflect about the sacrifice of our American service members in this wartime.

Two awards were presented at the ceremony to help pay tribute to our armed forces:

Sergeant Major James E. Ervin was awarded the Trojan Labor American Hero award for his meritorious action in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

 

 

The Trojan Labor Ultimate Hero award was given to Ms. Wanda Buggs in memory of Sgt. George Edward Buggs who was killed in combat on March 23rd, 2003 while serving as an army sergeant in Nassiriya, Iraq.  A monetary award was also given to the Buggs’ family in Sgt. Major Ervin’s name.

 

Other special guests included Mr.. T. Patton Adams, a Civilian Aid Emeritus to the Secretary of the US Army, Mr.. Earl Copeland, representing US Congressman Henry Brown’s office.