(03/13/2002) On Saturday, March 16, Secretary of State Candice S. Miller will receive the prestigious "Adjutant General's Patriot Award" from the Michigan National Guard in recognition of her service to Michigan’s citizen-soldiers and airmen.

Secretary Miller will receive the award at 7:45 p.m. at Lansing's Holiday Inn South, 6820 S. Cedar, in the Grand Ballroom.

Maj. Gen. E. Gordon Stump, the Adjutant General of Michigan, will present the Patriot Award to Secretary Miller at the opening of the organization's Military Ball.  It is expected that close to 1,000 Army and Air National Guard leaders will be in attendance.

“Secretary Miller has been an ardent supporter of the Michigan National Guard and the men and women of the Armed Forces,” Stump said.  “Among her many contributions, Secretary Miller was a driving force behind the effort to save the Army Garrison at Macomb County’s Selfridge Air National Guard Base in 1995.”

“To receive an award for patriotism is a wonderful honor, but I consider myself no greater a patriot than the Michigan men and women who have taken the step forward to serve as members of the Armed Forces,” said Secretary Miller.  “To be a patriot of the United States of America, the greatest nation the world has ever know, is an award each American can share.”

Secretary Miller has been an ardent supporter of the Michigan National Guard for more than 25 years.  Her association with the Michigan Guard began, and continues, with her membership on the Selfridge Air National Guard Base Community Council. As a Council member, Secretary Miller has participated in, and supported, numerous events, activities, and fundraisers to benefit the base and members and families working for the Michigan Air National Guard.

"The Adjutant General's Patriot Award" was established by Major General Stump to honor citizens of Michigan who have distinguished themselves in support of the men, women, and families of the Michigan National Guard.