| Extraordinary Profiles - Public Service/Government |
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Lady King Peggy
An American Secretary Become an African King
Can you imagine being awakened at that time of the morning with a message that you have been chosen to be king of a town halfway around the world? Is it a dream or maybe a prank call?
That’s what happened to Peggielene Bartels. It was definitely not a dream or a prank call for the American secretary who works at the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. That morning, the phone rang and for Peggy, her new reality began over three years ago. In August of 2008, Peggy’s life was about to change drastically. Her life was destined for a higher purpose, though it was unknown to her until she received that early morning phone call.
She would eventually become the King of Otuam, Ghana. Since becoming king almost three years ago, the people of Otuam are witnessing miraculous changes before their very eyes.
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Ambassador Theodore R. Britton
Service with Distinction
His incredible achievements and accolades are too numerous to reference here. However, an achievement that deserves top billing is that Ambassador Theodore R. Britton, Jr., and fellow Marines who served with him during World War II were recently selected as recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement.
He has become a part of history that has helped shape America’s opportunities for Blacks to serve in the military; in particular in the Marines.
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Rawle Andrews, Jr. Esq.
Maryland’s State Director, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
As an attorney and the Senior State Director for AARP in Maryland, Rawles Andrews has confronted many challenges.
Often viewed by many as an organization offering discounts to senior citizens, AARP is much more than that. It provides an abundance of benefits that many people may not be aware of. Andrews is responsible for ensuring that it all comes together and runs smoothly. He oversees various programs for 850,000 members.
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Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh
Setting the Stage for Africa’s Democracy
Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh is one of the most respected voices speaking for democracy in Africa. He serves as the senior associate and regional director for Central and West Africa at the National Democratic Institute. In this capacity, he has organized and advised international election observation missions in Benin, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Cote d’Ivoire Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar and other countries.
He has shared the stage with such political luminaries as President Jimmy Carter and General Colin Powell.
“I think very highly of Colin Powell, the first African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was always so humble. I remember being on a mission, an election observation mission with him in Nigeria and sitting there and listening to him engage former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and things that Obasanjo could do to ensure the Nigerian people that their voices would be heard and that their votes would count and saying to myself, ‘This is an accomplished world leader looking for ways to give something back to the continent.’
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Jason Smedley
A Man of Action Promotes Service to Country and Community
“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy and a whole heart and a free mind.” Pearl S. Buck
This is who Jason Smedley represents - - a man of service, proudly serving his country as a Marine and proudly serving his community as a civilian through the National Association of Black Men United, an organization he founded while attending the University of Central Arkansas.
Originally named Black Men United, the organization focuses on helping young black men successfully work their way through college and impact their communities by providing services. The organization provides tools and resources needed to ensure graduation. Its mission is to increase the graduation rate among black males.
For the past eleven years, the organization has served the campus community, instilling in young men the importance of giving back and being committed to excellence.
As a Marine, Smedley’s dedication to his country and his commitment to excellence have been proven through numerous military decorations, including the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among others.
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Eric Doe
Performs an Amazing Rescue Mission in Afghanistan
It was a mission that would test the physical stamina, mental strength and fortitude of Eric Doe, as well as his fellow comrades.
Almost ten hours in total darkness this helicopter pilot and his team performed a mission that would earn him the Dustoff Award. Though the mission occurred in total darkness, to those being rescued it seemed as though a bright light had appeared and they saw angels of mercy.
AFGHANISTAN – It was during the time of year when the days were short and the nights were long. The mountain where the rescue would take place was steep, the cliffs sharp, and narrow. An ambush had ensued, but that wasn’t the worst of the situation. Several men had been wounded and some were lying on the side of the mountain. Some of the men joined the long list of American heroes who had lost their lives fighting for freedom.
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Brian Hawthorne
A Warrior and Advocate for Student Veterans
Brian Hawthorne is truly a remarkable young man whose dedication and commitment to his country and fellow soldiers has earned him well-deserved honors.
Entering the Army Reserves at the age of 18 in 2003, he had no idea that only a few years later he would have a major impact on the lives of many people, including fellow comrades, senior officers, veterans and students.
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Mary Wooldridge
Service with a Heart of Gold
Mary Wooldridge loves bringing out the best in people. She’s a nurse by trade and a teacher at heart and whenever she gets the opportunity she combines both to help others realize their potential.
How we see ourselves today can oftentimes be distorted by past occurrences. As a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Mary Wooldridge enjoys challenging people to forget their past and get their lives on the road to success.
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First Lady, Michelle Obama
Formula for Success
Just as her fashion sense speaks to her unique style and ability to be a trendsetter, her knowledge, intelligence and compassion for others equally speaks to her desire to strive for excellence in all that she does.
She doesn’t follow paths, she creates them. With a foundation built on hard work, compassion and dreams, Mrs. Obama is reaping success. However, behind every success and achievement are tests of commitment, endurance and faith. |
Bernadette Allen
Ambassador to Niger
In 2005, Ms. Allen was nominated by President George Bush to serve as Ambassador to the Republic of Niger and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in February 2006. She has served as Ambassador to Niger since that time.
Ms. Allen has used her natural ability to bond with people to affect positive change in many ways through her various professional roles as an FS officer. She has received the Superior Honor Award for Leadership as Consul General in Montreal and a Meritorious Honor Award for outstanding managerial and professional skills in Guangzhou, China.
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David Younce
Proudly Serving His Country
He was born into a military family so one would think he might simply follow in their footsteps. Well he did, but not for the reasons you might think. As a young kid, David Younce loved the Army and had a strong desire to serve his country. That’s why he decided to join the Army.
He began his career as an MP in the Army National Guard. He went on active duty and his life as a full-time infantryman began in 1984.
From there he would serve in various parts of the world, including Germany and Kuwait. But there was one place that would change Lieutenant Colonel David Younce‘s life forever in more ways than he or anyone else could ever imagine. It was Iraq. |
Charles Dominguez - Courage, Sacrifice and Beyond
At the age of 31, Charles decided to join the military, and as many of us would ask, why? “To do my part. To be supportive,” says Charles. He was the first and only member of his family to join the military [the Army] which took his family and friends by surprise.
Seven months after his deployment, Gina experienced the unthinkable. She received a phone call that drastically changed the lives of the entire family. The phone rang at 3:30 in the morning. “It was Charles calling to tell me he was blown up by terrorists; a suicide bomb just outside an Iraqi police station in Ramadi. You don’t expect that to happen to your husband. You know it’s possible, but you don’t expect it. I just thanked God he was alive.
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