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Well Done, Thank You

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society called on Monday. You can stop now.

Hal Koster’s name has been branded into their consciousness. “We are thrilled to have the passionate support of JINSA’s members behind the “Above & Beyond” initiative,” the representative said, enormously impressed with your efficiency. Thank you all for taking the time and effort – we know some of you had trouble working the website and took multiple shots to get it right.


The Congressional Medal of Honor Society called on Monday. You can stop now.

Hal Koster’s name has been branded into their consciousness. “We are thrilled to have the passionate support of JINSA’s members behind the “Above & Beyond” initiative,” the representative said, enormously impressed with your efficiency. Thank you all for taking the time and effort – we know some of you had trouble working the website and took multiple shots to get it right.

Special thanks to “Ooh-Ah”, who posted it on Free Republic and to all of the Freepers who pinged and responded; to David in New York and David in Boston, to Yoram at The Jerusalem Cloakroom, Mike at the Galilee Institute and Harold at American Freedom who sent it to their lists and had great response.

No guarantees, of course, nominations doesn’t close until 16 December, but we – YOU – made one heck of an impression on behalf of a real patriot.

And, speaking of the deadline and impressions, the “Above & Beyond” representative had a request: The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is seeking nominees from every State as well as the District of Columbia. We think we have DC nailed, but perhaps those of you outside the Nation’s Capital can think of people in your own city or your own neighborhood who make a difference. They told us:

The nominee’s deeds do not necessarily have to be related to actions involving the military or veterans. More than anything, their achievements should epitomize the spirit of the Medal of Honor: valor, courage, honor.

“[The goal is to honor] Americans…who have made a difference in the lives of others through a singular act of extraordinary heroism, or through their continued commitment to putting others before themselves, without regard for personal gain. In all cases, the actions being honored must epitomize the concept of “service before self” and must be performed “above and beyond” one’s professional or vocational area of responsibility or conduct. We are calling upon the American public to nominate fellow citizens for this award, and we are contacting you and your organization with the hope that you will reach out to your staff and community at large and encourage them to nominate deserving citizens – colleagues, co- workers, family and friends – the hometown heroes all around who have gone Above & Beyond to make a difference in the lives of others… We are hoping to reach as many people as possible, as this is an all-citizen call for nominations!”

Each nomination will be read and evaluated – you don’t have to start a campaign on behalf of a nominee; just one e-mail will start the process. As a reminder, the website is www.aboveandbeyond365.com.

We’re leaving for Thanksgiving soon, happy in the knowledge that although mitzvot – good deeds – are their own reward, there is a certain special contentment that comes from acknowledging and promoting the Mitzvot of others. You have made Thanksgiving better for Hal and for the soldiers by your acknowledgment. Thank you.