From the Mayor's Desk: An Honor to Serve

By Johnston Mayor Paula Dierenfeld

On Thursday, August 29, I had the honor of receiving the “Commander’s Award for Public Service” from Major General Tim Orr, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard.  General Orr presented a Bronze Medal and Certificate recognizing my commitment to the Iowa National Guard and continued support of its soldiers, airmen, families, and programs during my tenure as Johnston’s Mayor. The Award is reserved for only the highest of service provided to the Guard team by a nonmilitary member.  It was presented at a Command Retreat in the presence of hundreds of Guard members standing in formation. 

The Award’s citation reads:

THE COMMANDER’S AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IS PRESENTED TO THE HONORABLE PAULA S. DIERENFELD, MAYOR OF JOHNSTON, IOWA FOR HER OUTSTANDING AND CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE IOWA NATIONAL GUARD.  DURING THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 2007 – AUGUST 2013, MAYOR DIERENFELD DEMONSTRATED TRULY EXCEPTIONAL DEDICATION, PROFESSIONALISM, AND COMMITMENT TO THE IOWA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS, AIRMEN, FAMILIES, PROGRAMS, AND INITIATIVES.  MAYOR DIERENFELD’S ACTIONS REFLECT THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND BRING GREAT CREDIT UPON THE STATE OF IOWA, THE CITY OF JOHNSTON, THE IOWA NATIONAL GUARD, AND THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC DEFENSE.

The ultimate public servants, of course, are the members of our United States military.  We are so fortunate to have the Iowa National Guard and its headquarters, Camp Dodge, in our community. Thanks to all of our current military members, veterans and their families for the sacrifices they make to keep us safe and to protect our freedoms at home and abroad.