National Guard Association Gives Meritorious Service Award to CW4 Randolph

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Atacha Randolph (right) receives Meritorious Service Award. (Photo: Spc. Leona Hendrickson VING 51st. Public Affairs Detachment)

The National Guard Association of the United States has given Chief Warrant Officer 4 Atacha Randolph its Meritorious Service Award at an event held in the Lt. Col. David Canegata Conference Room, Joint Forces Headquarters on Oct. 24.

Randolph was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) while serving as the VING Association’s membership committee chair. As a direct result of her efforts, VINGA remains with a 100 percent membership now going on eight consecutive years.

“This year, under Chief Randolph, we also achieve 100 percent membership,” said Beresford Edwards, VINGA president. “So, I nominated her for the NGAUS Meritorious Service Award.”

The National Guard Association of the United States created this award in 1972 based upon a perceived need for an additional association award that would specifically recognize individuals for significant contributions to the U.S. Government, the Armed Forces of the United States or NGAUS.

Randolph received a walnut plaque that has the NGAUS seal engraved in it. Beneath the NGAUS seal is the inscription “Meritorious Service Award,” and underneath her name is inscribed.

“I thank you, Mr. Edwards, for nominating me,” said Randolph. “I’m honored; I’m humbled; I did not expect anything. I like what the organization does for us, and I just wanted to be an active member.”

The association received an award for achieving the highest percentage of membership nationwide for two consecutive years. “In addition to achieving 100 percent,” said Edwards, “we were number one in the nation for two years in a row.”

VINGA Inc. is a non-profit corporation. The association’s purpose is to promote growth and development, foster friendship and corporation among the VING officers, and provide services for its members and dependents.