The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was established in 1988 and is designed to recognize the contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives to legislative bodies at the state and national levels. The medal is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, NGAUS president from 1902 to 1909, a major general in the Ohio National Guard, a Congressman and later a Senator. Dick was responsible for the passage of the Dick Acts of 1903 and 1908 that established the foundation of the modern National Guard.

Eligibility
Any member of a state legislative body, the United States Congress or any state governor.

Description
The Charles Dick Medal of Merit is a 2 1/2 inch gold plated medal bearing the likeness of Charles Dick. The medal is attached to a gold and red ribbon and accompanied by a plate engraved with the recipients’ name all of which is encased in a wooden glass frame.

Criteria
An individual must have distinguished him/herself over an extended period of time in their support to the National Guard through service in a state or national elected legislative body. Superior performance of normal duty alone does not justify award of this medal. An individual must have provided exceptionally strong support to the National Guard to clearly merit this medal. The support of the individual must be such that it has had a lasting effect on the future of the National Guard. The positive affect and the results of the act should outlast the tenure in office of the individual.

Nominations and Selection Procedures
Any member of the Awards Committee, the Board of Directors or an elected officer of NGAUS, state association President or Adjutants General may nominate an individual to receive this award. An individual may not receive more than one Charles Dick Medal. More than one award may be given in a calendar year. By action of the Board of Directors, exceptions may be made to the restriction that an individual may not receive more than one.