I am proud and honored to announce this year's Christmas knife recipients, two fine men, one who is returning from two tours in harm's way and one who will soon begin his patriotic journey. Before I introduce the recipients, I'd like to thank a very generous and patriotic donor for donating both of the knives. Also Mr. Doug Cream who has once again donated his time and talents in doing the knife handle embedments. Superb as always, Doug. I would also like to thank Randall Made Knives for making such beautiful knives that have been in our service men and women's hands through every war and conflict since World War II. They were great knives then, they are great knives now, and they'll be great knives in the future.
This year's recipients are: SSG Doug Matthys and 1st LT Jon Glasscock
Sgt. Doug served his first tour in the sand box in 2005/2006 on a NATO observation mission on the Sinai peninsula just on the south border of the Gaza Strip.
His second deployment was in 2008/2009 in Bagdhad, Iraq manning a check point into and out of the Green Zone. He and his squad inspected every civilian and civilian vehicle entering the Zone, a very dangerous assignment. For his valiant and heroic service Sgt. Doug was awarded the Bronze Star.
During his tour of duty, he carried a Model 14, and here is being presented with his Model 1 Special Fighter by Mr. Tom Welch.
1st LT Jon Glasscock started his military career early by joining the Virginia Army National Guard during his junior year in high school, completing Basic Training the following summer at Ft. Benning, Ga. and returned for his senior year and graduated. In 1999 he completed his Combat Medic Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Sam Houston. TX., and in 2001 was ordered into Federal Service for 9 months with the 29th Infantry Division HQ as part of Stabilization Force 10, Task Force Eagle, Bosnia-Herzegovina.
In 2002 Jon enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and was elected Class President in 2003. In 2004 Jon had to temporarily leave VMI as he was again ordered into Federal Service for 18 months to support Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) with the 3/116 INF out of Winchester, VA. He served as a medical evacuation team leader and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge for his actions there. Upon his return to VMI he graduated with a B.A. in psychology & received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, Infantry, Virginia Army National Guard. In 2008, he received his first permanent assignment as a platoon leader for C TRP, 2-183d Cavalry, Virginia Beach, VA. In June of 2009 he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.
Jon has been the recipient of numerous commendations and medals including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (4th award), U.S. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the NATO Medal. He has also earned the Combat Medic Badge and the Air Assault Badge.
He has continued his military schooling, graduating from the Infantry Light Leaders Course and the Army Reconnaissance Course. Jon is currently scheduled for deployment to Iraq in the spring of 2010.
Jon received a Model 14 and will carry it while on tour. Pictured in the photo with Jon are Mr. and Mrs. James Glasscock, and Amelia, VA. Commonwealth Atty. Lee Harrison, who is a good friend of the family and also a VMI Grad.
Thank you, again, to these fine men and thank you to all our men and women in harm's way who are fighting the fight so we may all lead safe and productive lives back here at home.
God Bless You All.
Kevin
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