by Al Newton
The Kiwanis Club of Hampton recognized the outstanding persons of the year from organizations involved in the safety of the community at a dinner celebration entitled “Protectors Night”, held at the Elks Lodge on April 21, 2009 Each honoree was presented a Plaque, signifying the accomplishments for which they were being recognized.
The Honorees were: Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue; Medic Firefighter Edmund L. Freeborn, “EMS Provider of the Year ” and Medic Firefighter Frederick W. Schmid “ Firefighter of the Year”. Hampton Police Division; Officer Mark G. Birdsong, “Police Officer of the Year” and Corporal Kendall C. Brown, “ Investigator of the Year”. US Air Force from Langley Air Force Base; TSgt Thomas L. Grubbs, “Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year” and Senior Airman Christopher W. Picnic, “Airman of the Year”. US Army from Fort Monroe; Staff Sergeant Justin J. Smitchger, ” Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year”; and Specialist Wesley C. Wagner,” Soldier of the Year”.
Representing the honored organizations and participating in the presentations were; Fire Chief James A. Gray, Jr. from the Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue ;Major Randy Lewis from the Hampton Police Division; Air Force Lt. Colonel William Brooks, Commander, 1st Security Forces Sqdn and Chief Master Sergeant Kevin G. Slater from Langley Air Force Base and Colonel Anthony D. Reyes, Commander Fort Monroe, and Army Sergeant Major Nelson M. Cooper from Fort Monroe. .
Kiwanis Club of Hampton President Dr. Alvin Bryant (Maj. Gen.,-USA-Ret.) presided. The Chairman of the Club’s Committee on Community Services, Craig Wilson (Col. USAF Ret.), was the Master of Ceremonies. (Kiwanian Lee Dyment (Col., USA-Ret) was the Project Officer. This was the seventh annual program.
Honorees and presenters at the Kiwanis Club of Hampton’s Seventh Annual Protectors Night: (Pictured from left to right, front row SrAirman Christopher W.Picnic, Air Force TSgt Thomas L. Grubbs, Medic Firefighter Edmund L. Freeborn, Medic Firefighter Frederick W. Schmid, Police Officer Mark G. Birdsong, Police Corporal Kendall C. Brown, Army SSgt Justin J. Smitchger and Army Specialist Wesley C. Wagner(Back Row)Air Force CMSgt Kevin G. Slater, Air Force Lt. Colonel William Brooks, Fire Chief James A. Gray, Chairperson Craig Wilson, Police Major Randy Lewis, Army Colonel Anthony D. Reyes and Army SGM Nelson M. Cooper.( Not pictured Dr. Alvin Bryant, Club President )
