2007 Trojan Labor American Hero Recipients

The 2nd Annual Trojan Labor American Hero Awards was held the morning of May 8th, 2007 aboard the USS Yorktown in Mt. Pleasant, SC. After members of Wando High School’s Jr. ROTC began the ceremony with a presentation of Colors, company president, Dan McAnnar greeted the invited guests. Mr. Kruger Smith, Mayor Pro Tem of Mt. Pleasant, then introduced the special guest speaker, Major General Livingston, USMC recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor from his outstanding service in the Vietnam War. His remarks included high regards to all of the men and women who have fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom and added personal comments about the two local Marines who were recognized at this particular event. LCpl F. Nicholas Riccio and Sgt. John Phillips were honored at the ceremony.

Lance Corporal Nicholas Riccio, USMC was awarded the Trojan Labor American Hero award for his meritorious action in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After suffering an injury while fighting, he received the Purple Heart, and now resides in Charleston.

 

The Trojan Labor Ultimate Hero award was given to Ms. Stephanie Phillips wife of Sgt. John Phillips, USMC who died on August 16, 2006 from combat wounds received in the Al Anbar provice of Iraq. Sgt Phillips’ family from St. Stephens, SC was in attendance. A monetary donation was given to the Phillips’ family charity of choice, The Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund, in LCpl Riccio’s name. After remarks by SC Secretary of State, Mark Hammond and Earl Copeland, representing US Congressman Henry Brown’s office, the ceremony concluded with a speech from Trojan Labor CEO, Rick Hermanns commemorating our solders.

In addition to the families of both recipients, other special guests included Mr. T. Patton Adams, a Civilian Aid Emeritus to the Secretary of the US Army, Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon, and nearby counties’ Veterans Affairs officers.