Congressman Palazzo Welcomes Special Guest for State of the Union Address
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS), welcomed Master Sergeant Nicole Dismute to Washington to attend tonight’s State of the Union Address. Each year, each Member of Congress receives one extra ticket to invite a guest to sit in the House chamber while the president delivers his annual address.
In addition to serving as the Superintendent for the Test Data and Analysis for the Mathies Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Keesler AFB, MS, Dismute is also the 2012 recipient of the Thomas V. Fredian Community Leadership Award. This award is given each year at the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s “Salute to the Military” dinner to an enlisted member of the military, in recognition of outstanding community service and leadership.
“From her military career to her community involvement, Master Sergeant Dismute’s life tells an impressive story of service to her comrades in arms as well as her civilian neighbors,” Palazzo stated. “I can think of no better guest to accompany me tonight than a leader like Master Sergeant Dismute. The State of the Union is one of those rare, time-honored traditions when leaders from each branch of our government gather under one roof, and I am honored she can join me.”
Dismute stated, “I was absolutely thrilled to be named as this past year’s recipient for the leadership award, and I am even more honored to be able to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s nice to be recognized for my service, but I do what I do because it’s just how I was raised; it’s what’s in my heart, it comes naturally, and it just makes sense.”
Among the many volunteer activities for which MSgt Dismute was recognized: she has worked in support of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Special Olympics, volunteered at a local elementary school, mentored high school youth, coordinated Airmen in support of the Mobile Alabama Vietnam Veterans Parade Salute, and led a shoe drive for a Gulf Coast homeless shelter.
Palazzo’s office also arranged for Dismute to tour the White House and the U.S. Capitol during her trip to Washington, D.C.
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Magnolia Tribune
