SALT LAKE CITY -- Brig. Gen. Christine Burckle, Commander of the Utah Air National Guard, was awarded the 2016-2017 American Legion Auxiliary Salute to Servicewomen Award at the organization’s national convention in Reno, Nev. Aug. 22.
The American Legion Auxiliary works in concert with the American Legion to support veterans, the military, and their families by shaping an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, and security.
Established in 2003 by the American Legion Auxiliary Past Presidents Parley Program, the Salute to Servicewomen Award honors one outstanding woman from each military branch who displays a proven track record of outstanding service to their organization and the nation.
“As the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, we are extremely proud of all that Brig. Gen. Burckle has accomplished, as well as the path she’s paving for the women who follow after her,” said Mary E. Davis, American Legion Auxiliary National President. “This award is just one small token of appreciation to show our gratitude for the strength, sacrifice, and courage of women in the U.S. Armed Forces.”
Burckle offered remarks and accepted the award in front of an audience of more than 2,000 conference attendees from across the country. She was also recognized during a formal luncheon later that morning.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized by an organization with such a strong reputation for honoring men and women in uniform and their families,” Burckle said. “However, it’s certainly not my award alone -- it represents the cumulative legacy of every courageous, inspired woman who preceded me, and the colleagues I’m fortunate to serve with each day in the Air Force.”