Unsung Hero Improves Lives of More than 10,000 People Annually by Fighting Poverty

Washington, D.C. - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation today announced the Above & Beyond Citizen Honors state finalist for Georgia for 2009.  Following a nationwide search and selection process, a panel of judges, consisting exclusively of Medal of Honor recipients, selected Reverend Micheal Elliott of Savannah because of his record of going above and beyond the call of duty in service to his fellow Americans.

Rev. Elliott has had a positive impact on fighting homelessness and poverty in Savannah and Chatham County as President and CEO of Union Mission, Inc. He has built an organization that provides housing, healthcare, and supportive services to more than 600 people every day, and improves the lives of an estimated 10,000 individuals every year.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Reverend Elliott in Savannah, and I can personally attest to his character and the far reaching impact of his work," said Barrow. "If we had more folks like him in our communities, the world would be a much better place.  I congratulate him for this honor, and I can't think of anyone more deserving."

"I, along with all of the living Medal of Honor recipients, salute Reverend Micheal Elliott for his selfless act," said Bruce Whitman, Co-Chairman of the Board of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. "As true heroes among us, the state finalists represent the values of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service. Their actions are an inspiration to Americans everywhere."

The Above and Beyond Citizen Honors are bestowed by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, which is organized to support the objectives, activities, and programs of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which consists of those who have won our nation's highest military award, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Created by Abraham Lincoln in 1861, the Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. To receive this rare honor, it must first be approved by the President of the United States and is then presented by the President in the name of the Congress on behalf of a grateful nation. Since the birth of our nation, over 40 million Americans have faced combat, yet fewer than 3,500 have received our nation's highest honor for combat - the Medal of Honor.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is chartered by Congress, and regarded as the most exclusive organization in our country, as its membership consists of all living Medal of Honor recipients. Today there are less than 100 members, who come from every social class, race, and economic level. They range in age from 58 to 99, and live in all areas of our country. Unlike virtually every other organization, this group's members hope that there will be no more inductees. For more information, visit www.cmohs.org

The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to perpetuate the Medal of Honor's legacy of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. In addition to supporting the objectives, activities, and programs of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Foundation raises funds for initiatives, such as Above & Beyond Citizen Honors, that promote awareness of what the Medal of Honor represents. For more information, visit www.cmohfoundation.org.

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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