Head Coach John Harbaugh received one of five Outstanding Civilian Service Awards from Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the Chief of Staff of the Army on Wednesday at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va. Odierno and Harbaugh first met on the USO tour in 2009. Today, Harbaugh issued this statement of thanks:
“I would like to thank General Odierno and his wife Linda, The U.S. Army, The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard Caisson Platoon, The Continental Color Guard, The Presidential Salute Battery, The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, The U.S. Army Drill Team, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the vocalists from The U.S. Army Band Downrange, all the soldiers, families, veterans and individuals who were part of the Twilight Tattoo 2012 Award Ceremony. It was such a wonderful ceremony, special in so many ways.
“I also would like to congratulate and honor the other recipients of the Outstanding Civilian Service Award for their unyielding dedication and commitment to this great country’s military.
“The event, for me and my wife Ingrid, was a once in a lifetime experience. To be around such outstanding men and women who sacrifice their lives for our country, for our freedom…to be acknowledged along with Tom Coughlin, head coach of the New York Giants, Lynn Chwatsky, vice president of outreach for the Sesame Workshop’s Military Families Project, Bob Delaney, former police officer and referee in the NBA, and Linda Patterson, president and founder of America supporting Americans…was truly a humbling experience. The military and our soldiers ARE the Baltimore Ravens’ inspiration each week we take that field. We strive to exemplify the true intelligence, strategy, courage and domination these men and women achieve every day of their lives.
“I am honored to accept The Outstanding Civilian Service Award and dedicate it to The Baltimore Ravens organization, our players, coaches, and other employees who have been instrumental in many of our campaigns. I would also like to thank the city of Baltimore and all those who support our efforts in saluting our servicemen and women. Thank you and God Bless.”
