In a recent unannounced ceremony at the Dallas office of former President George W. Bush, Diana Newton, cofounder of the Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA), presented the former commander-in-chief with the organization's 2010 Founders Commendation Award.
A non-profit based out of Clever, Mo., the SSFOA established the commendation as part of its mission to recognize veterans who are wounded, injured or may have acquired an illness related to their service in a combat zone - regardless of their branch of service.
"We were certainly honored to bestow the president with such recognition," stated Kathy Landess, national vice president for the SSFOA.
"And the fact that those who have been directly affected by the president's policies and decisions nominated him for such an honor lends even greater significance to the commendation," she added.
The award is the result of an open election process conducted yearly to solicit nominations and select the winner for the organization's premier honor. The commendation can be awarded to military or civilian personnel, departments or organizations that have positively affected the lives of wounded and ill veterans.
Individuals must have participated in certain actions or activities to qualify for nomination.
Such activities include actions taken which: directly influence the care and wellbeing of wounded/ill veterans; influence policy that has improved services to the nation's injured; or have engaged in activities that have actually prevented casualties or injuries.