Doak earns Marine medal for public service

Friday, September 5, 2008
By John I. Carney

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)
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Matt Doak, a captain with Shelbyville Fire Department and a staff sergeant on active duty reserve with the U.S. Marine Corps, was honored Thursday with the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

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."

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Congratulations Staff Sgt. Matt Doak... Semper Fi!

-- Posted by nathan.evans on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 12:28 PM

The Doaks have an awesome family and have raised some really good kids. My wife grew up with them. Congrats Matt

-- Posted by greasemonkey on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 3:06 PM

I know this young man has some awesome parents. Who would give you the shirts off their backs.

He is a fine example of a large family, good up bringing.

His parents should be very proud of him.

I personally want to thank him for standing up and fighting for our country.And for setting such a wonderful example to our youth that you have set.

May God Bless you and your entire family.You are what America needs more of.

Thank You again.

-- Posted by Wheelbillie on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 3:35 PM

I am so PROUD of you, Matt! May God bless you always & keep you always!!

-- Posted by XoXo_notes on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 8:26 PM

Matt truly helps the children of Beford County with the Toys for Tots program. I am glad to see him get the community wide recognition that he deserves. The T-G always cites Marine Col. Ken Crowell, it is my understanding that Crowell earned that rank as a member of the Marine RESERVE, not a career military man at all.

-- Posted by justwanaknow on Fri, Sep 5, 2008, at 9:52 PM

I went to high school with matt and have known his family for many years, although i dont live in shelbyville any longer, its good to hear about old friends and classmates getting honors and recognition for the hard work and dedication they do. matt congratulations

-- Posted by ericgreen29 on Sat, Sep 6, 2008, at 4:29 PM

Congratulations Matt and Jennifer, you both deserve the recognition! Thank you for all that you do Matt! Jennifer, behind every good man is an AMAZING woman ;-D!! Take care!

-- Posted by Bedford Co. fan on Sun, Sep 7, 2008, at 3:40 AM

I taught Matt in high school. You make us proud at SCHS.

-- Posted by gordo1965 on Sun, Sep 7, 2008, at 9:24 AM