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WASHINGTON D.C. (May 6, 2008) - A 13-year-old patriot from New
Jersey received the Defense Department's top award for public
service at a Pentagon ceremony today.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public
Affairs Robert T. Hastings presented Joey Rizzolo, of Paramus,
N.J., with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for
Exceptional Public Service. Rizzolo was recognized for his
contributions in support of the men and women of the armed
forces.
The seventh grade student is a participant in America Supports
You, a nationwide Defense Department program that showcases
Americans' support for men and women in the armed services and
their families, Hastings noted. Last year, Rizzolo organized the
first Freedom Walk in his community and also wrote a book, titled
"20 Steps to a Freedom Walk," that urges students nationwide to
stage their own walks. Rizzolo is donating the proceeds from his
book to his community's ASY-affiliated project Operation Goody Bag,
which sends candy and other gifts to first responders and
overseas-deployed servicemembers.
"Joey, what a fabulous resume you've got already," Hastings said
during the ceremony, citing Rizzolo's efforts to organize Freedom
Walks, as well as his volunteer work with Operation Goody Bag.
Rizzolo also was among the top five youth volunteers in the
national Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.
Hastings emphasized that Rizzolo has realized "a fantastic set
of accomplishments for a fine American" in support of America's
servicemembers.
Rizzolo said the award ceremony came as a shock, noting he
thought the purpose of his journey to the Pentagon was to take a
tour.
"It totally surprised me," Rizzolo remarked at the ceremony. "It
is a great honor to be given the highest award a civilian can get
from the Pentagon."
Rizzolo said he believes that supporting America's
servicemembers is of paramount importance.
"I just want people to know that they should never forget what
happened on Sept. 11," Rizzolo emphasized. "It's important to
support the troops because you want them to know that someone's
there for them while they're overseas."
Joey's father, Joseph Rizzolo, wore a wide smile as his son
received the medal.
"He is just a very passionate kid, and he's got a drive that you
wouldn't believe," the senior Rizzolo said. "He feels something for
these soldiers … and everybody who died" during 9/11.
"Today's a great day at the Department of Defense because we get
to recognize somebody like Joey Rizzolo, who is making a difference
in his community, which makes a difference in the lives of our men
and women in the military," said Allison Barber, the deputy
assistant secretary of defense for public liaison and internal
communications.
Rizzolo's efforts and the work of other young people on behalf
of America's servicemembers is inspiring and "good for the
long-term success of our country, for patriotism, and for our men
and women in the military specifically," Barber said.
Rizzolo was interviewed at the Pentagon by Scholastic Kids Press
Corps reporter Maddie Hartke-Weber, whose father, Rick Weber, works
with Inside Washington Publishers.
"What stuck out was all of the work Joey had to do and (also)
that he wrote a children's book," said Hartke-Weber, a 12-year-old
resident of Washington, D.C. Rizzolo's Pentagon and Prudential
awards also are impressive, she added.
"This is amazing," said Jane Cosco, director of Operation Goody
Bag and Rizzolo's former computer teacher. "We did not expect this
event to take place today."
Last month, Operation Goody Bag shipped its 80,000th bag since
the program began in 2003, Cosco said.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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