In a country of rewards and higher recognition for outstanding achievements, these institutions and organizations created their version of awards to recompense key contributors to society. Ranging from the U.S. Mint’s national medals down to the Defender Service Awards and ending with the Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program, the essence behind the institution is to reward individuals in different fields of excellence.
The U.S. Mint, famous for creating national medals, reflects historic events of importance or persons whose actions have contributed to either U.S. history or the world. This would include bronze duplicates of Congressional Gold Medals, which Congressionally are authorized under separate Public Laws. The Mint also strikes “list medals” that are authorized by the secretary of the Treasury. These run from ongoing programs such as the Presidential Medals to one-time medals like the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Silver Medal. Congressional Gold Medals are authorized by Congress and awarded to individuals, groups, or institutions considered for their great accomplishments. When legislation allows, the Mint strikes bronze duplicates for sale to the public.
In community service, Defender has long supported non-profit groups with its Defender Service Awards. For decades, Defender has been building legendary vehicles to help service workers fulfill their missions. Over the past three years, the Defender Service Awards have honored these selfless organizations. This year, six specially customized Defender 130 vehicles will be awarded to nonprofits and charitable organizations based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada that are dedicated to positive change in their local communities every day. Category sponsors, including Disney, ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Science, and OUTSIDE Interactive Inc., will provide $25,000 to their respective category winners. The $5,000 donation from the presenting sponsor, Chase, will be given to each of the 30 category finalists. Submissions for the 2024 Defender Service Awards are now closed. Afterward, a qualified judging group will choose up to five finalists in each category, and then public voting will determine the winners.
The Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program, led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, provides funding for a national network of medical institutions as part of the scientific community. It aims to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into improved patient care. More than 60 of the nation’s top medical institutions have been funded through the CTSA Program and provide expertise, resources, and partnerships in the advancement of health for people and communities. The CTSA Program will advance clinical and translational science by developing innovations and subsequently disseminating them for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of clinical translation. It supports team-based partnerships that will enable translational research projects and reduce health disparities through creative research programs. This program will also train and support a workforce of clinical research professionals and a career pathway for translational scientists to enable the development of this fledging field.
These awards and recognitions thus prove, among other things, why excellence in matters ranging from historical achievements to scientific breakthroughs through community service should be recognized. They testify to the dedication and impact of persons and organizations as they go about making a difference.