Bugles Across America because he believes all veterans
deserve a live rendition of taps played at their funeral.
The organization now has more than 5,000 volunteer
buglers in all 50 states, and Day personally has played
taps at more than 5,000 funerals.
“I will try to ensure that no veteran’s dignity is stolen
from them,” Day said.
Name: Toby Keith, country singer, producer, and actor
Recognized for: Supporting U.S. troops and perform-
ing for more than 120,000 servicemembers at more
Mike Rock
than 125 events.
Keith has traveled to more than 10 countries and partici-
pated in seven USO tours to entertain servicemembers.
He accepted MOAA’s award just hours before leaving for
his seventh USO tour of Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said America’s servicemembers are “the best in
the world. They do a wonderful job, and I trust them.
They take me to the forward zones, and I do that to set
an example for other people — maybe others will at
least visit [servicemembers at] a hospital,” he said.
Keith added he was humbled by the award. “Just
being privileged enough to go around with the fi nest in
the world is reward enough for me,” he said. MO
Tom Day Toby Keith
Col. Paul W. Arcari Meritorious
Service Award
MOAA Distinguished Service
Award Winners
Name: Union Pacific Corp.
Recognized for: Longstanding efforts to support em-
ployees who are veterans or members of the National
Guard or Reserve.
Mike Rock, vice president of External Affairs for Union
MOAA’s General Neal, James, and Kildee
Pacifi c, in Omaha, Neb., accepted the award on behalf
of Union Pacifi c Corp. Among many programs for de-
Name: Jeanette James, professional staff member on the
ployed employees, Union Pacifi c pays salary and ben-
House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee
efi ts for guardmembers and reservists who deploy and
Recognized for: Her dedicated work to improve military
has four full-time staff members who recruit veterans.
health care, which has proven critical in reversing military
Rock said Union Pacifi c recognizes how much it de-
medical manpower cuts, defeating disproportional TRICARE
pends upon the military and its long history of support-
fee increases, and easing care shortfalls for wounded war-
ing national defense. “You stand in the face of danger
riors and their families.
when others would not, and you protect the freedoms
Name: David Kildee, professional staff member on the House
and liberties we all enjoy,” he said.
Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee
Recognized for: Fighting to protect health care beneficiary
Name: Tom Day, founder of Bugles Across America
rights and interests and finding ways to improve care and
Recognized for: Honoring veterans by ensuring a live
reduce costs in ways that don’t disadvantage beneficiaries,
bugler plays taps at every military funeral.
including new programs offering positive incentives to
After learning in 2000 that a recorded version of taps
maintain healthy lifestyles and ensure best medical practices.
was played at many military funerals, Day started
62 MILITARY OFFICER JULY 2009 PHOTOS: STEVE BARRETT
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