Courtesy The Anderson News, with contributions by Kentuckyguard.com
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="320"]
Pam Rice receives the 2013 Lewis Hine Award from Jeff Newman, president and executive director of the National Child Labor Committee. (Photo submitted)
LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. -- Pam Rice, vice president of Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34, recently received a 2013 Lewis Hine Award for Service to Children and Youth in awards presentation held in New York City.
Click here to see the original story!
Rice was honored by the National Child Labor Committee’s award on Jan. 28 for her social activism for the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34, addressing the needs of military children and families and for promoting veterans awareness, according to the press release.
“Named for the acclaimed NCLC photographer who documented early-20th century exploitation of children, the Lewis Hine Awards honor those individuals who, as professionals or volunteers, give of themselves and go the extra mile for the well-being of young people,” according to a press release. “The recipients, who this year hail from as far away as Alaska and as close as New York, are selected by a distinguished panel of judges from among hundreds of nominations submitted each year by business, community and nonprofit leaders.”
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="288"]
Pam Rice was accompanied to the Lewis Hine Award ceremony by Kentucky National Guard Col. Charlie Jones, J-1 director. (Photo submitted)
“Pam Rice believes that you only get back from your community what you are willing to give and that the reward for giving is the self-satisfaction that you have made a positive impact in the lives of others,” according to a release from the Lewis Hine Awards organization. “She lives by this motto everyday while serving as vice president of the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34 for six of the past 15 years, where she has implemented many projects that benefit military families and the community’s youth.”
“Last year alone, through her fund-raising efforts, the Auxiliary was able to donate $60,000 to local and national programs for veterans, families and children. “While serving as president of the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce, she has been able to connect service organizations to the community on a daily basis. She has paved the way for additional projects including the Kentucky National Guard Military Child Appreciation Day and assisting in filling more than 600 “Hero Back Packs” for the children of deploying service members.”
Rice has mixed feelings about receiving the award. "I'm so grateful to the Kentucky National Guard for nominating me. But it's not just me. I work with so many great people that care about the National Guard and I'm honored to represent them."
Rice is no stranger to military life; both her father and son are Navy men. For the past eighteen years she's been a volunteer with the Anderson County American Legion Auxiliary Unit.
"The military doesn't get enough recognition for what they do," said Rice. "When you're helping them you get back what you give. It can definitely change your life."
Each of this year’s Lewis Hine Awards honorees will receive a $1,000 award.