Nominations are open for the Irene Ferguson Marine Wife of the Year Award.
The award is named after the late wife of local World War II veteran Maj. Glenn Ferguson.
Ferguson established the tribute six years ago, in memory of his wife, Irene, to honor wives and their efforts on the home front as unsung heroes.
Ferguson saw that museums and parks he visited did not have tributes recognizing the sacrifices of military wives in support of their husbands and felt they should be honored.
In addition to serving as an aviator in WWII and the Korean War, Ferguson handled White House security for President Franklin Roosevelt and served as a medical-evacuation pilot in Korea and Marine One co-pilot for President Dwight Eisenhower.
Several of the aircraft that Ferguson flew during his career are exhibited at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Air Station Miramar.
All women whose husbands serve in the Southwest region are eligible for the award. Nominations can be made through April 19.
The awardee will receive a stipend of $1,500 and will be recognized at the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation annual gala May 20. A plaque with the awardee’s name will be displayed at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.
The award is coordinated by the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation, which appoints a committee to review the applications.
The foundation was formed to preserve the history of U.S. aviation, honor its service members and inspire future generations. The nonprofit foundation supports the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Air Station Miramar.
To submit a nomination, click here.
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