The National Guard Association of the United States gave Chief Warrant Officer 2 Melinda Charles the Eagle Rising Award for her leadership and dedication to the Virgin Islands National Guard Association (VING), Saturday, Dec. 7.
Charles was recognized for her outstanding service and contributions while serving as a member of the Virgin Islands National Guard Association’s Membership Committee. She was instrumental in the association, achieving 100 percent membership for seven consecutive years. Her contributions reflect great credit upon herself, the Virgin Islands National Guard Association, and the National Guard Association of the United States.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Charles. “Thank you NGAUS for this great recognition.”
Originally nominated for the Meritorious Service award, by VINGA president (Ret.) Beresford Edwards. Charles was tasked to lead the membership effort in the absence of the chairperson despite increased demands to target company grade and warrant officers.
“She accepted the challenge and worked diligently to ensure the association reached its highest strength objective in history,” said Edwards. “Charles is the second person in the history of VINGA and VING to have received the Eagle Rising Award. First to receive the award was Chief Warrant Officer 2 Klaryssa Suffren back in 2017.”
Awarded to only warrant officers, the Eagle Rising Award was established to annually recognize the achievement and dedicated service of Army National Guard warrant officers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical skills and professionalism in their service to country and community.
For more information on the Eagle Rising Award for Warrant Officers, visit the National Guard Association of the United States website at https://www.ngaus.org/about-ngaus/awards/eagle-rising-award-warrant-officers