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 Lt. Jason Pollard, right, congratulates Marine Staff Sgt. Matt Doak after presenting him with the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Doak is also a captain with the Shelbyville Fire Department. (T-G Photo by John I. Carney) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo] |
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Doak was aware that retired Marine Col. Ken Crowell had nominated him for the award but didn't know he had received it until Thursday morning's ceremony, held at Fire Hall Number One on Lane Parkway.
"You've done more to exemplify what a Marine really is ..." said Crowell during the ceremony, referring to Doak and other soldiers like him. "It takes young men like these ... to keep us alive and safe and all of our children in their beds safe at night."
Staff Sgt. Daniel Jimenez read the certificate and Lt. Jason Pollard pinned the medal onto Doak's gray fire department polo shirt.
Doak served in Iraq starting in 2004, alongside the late Staff Sgt. Marc Golczynski, who was killed in action. Back at home, Doak has been active in programs like the Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys For Tots," which collects toys each holiday season for needy children.
The medal certificate, signed by Lt. Col. C.J. Williams, states that the award is given "for outstanding volunteer service while assigned to India Company, Third Battalion, Twenty-Fourth Marines, Fourth Marine Division, from 1 January 2003 through 30 June 2008. During this period, Staff Sergeant Doak's outstanding public service significantly enhanced the Marine Corps reputation throughout the Middle Tennessee area. While sacrificing countless hours of personal time in order to support numerous community outreach events, he performed substantial voluntary service that produced tangible results and was significant in nature."
Pollard noted that Doak's service was made possible by support from his spouse and other family members. "This award is not only for you," said Pollard, "but it's also for Jennifer." Jennifer Doak was present for the award ceremony. The Doaks have two children, Slate and Olivia.
"When I met this guy seven years ago, he had an immediate impact on my life and career," said Pollard. "I knew that he was a guy who would give you the shirt off his back and do anything for you."