Soldier Spotlight - Military Appreciation Month 2012

During the month of January, 2012, the Boston Celtics are holding Military Appreciation Month presented by the Army National Guard of Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. Three soldiers will be honored during a timeout during select home games and our fans will have the opportunity to thank them for their dedicated service to the United States of America.

The Army National Guard, the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest-enduring institutions, was formed by a legislative act of the Massachusetts Bay General Court on Dec. 13, 1636. Today, tens of thousands of Guardmembers are serving in harm's way in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait as the National Guard continues its historic dual mission, providing to the states units trained and equipped to protect life and property, while providing to the nation units trained, equipped and ready to defend the United States and its interests, all over the globe. For more than 374 years, the Army National Guard has been "Always Ready, Always There" to meet the needs of the community and the nation.

For more information on the National Guard visit NATIONALGUARD.com.

SSG David Pettigrew

During the month of January, 2012, the Boston Celtics and the Army National Guard welcome home New England soldiers from their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

NAME/RANK: SSG David Pettigrew
HOMETOWN/STATE: Easton, MA
NATIONAL GUARD UNIT: Massachusetts Recruiting and Retention Battalion
THEATER OF OPERATION: The Balkans 2001 and 2008
SPECIAL AWARDS ON DEPLOYMENTS: Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal

SSG Frederick Kyeremeh

During the month of January, 2012, the Boston Celtics and the Army National Guard welcome home New England soldiers from their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

NAME/RANK: SSG Frederick Kyeremeh
HOMETOWN/STATE: Manchester, CT
NATIONAL GUARD UNIT: HHD 51st Troop Command (Combat Arms)
THEATER OF OPERATION: Kuwait 2005, Iraq 2009, Operation Noble Eagle 2003
SPECIAL AWARDS ON DEPLOYMENTS: Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal

SPC Nicholas Latino

During the month of January, 2012, the Boston Celtics and the Army National Guard welcome home New England soldiers from their mission in Iraq and Afghanistan.

NAME/RANK: SPC Nicholas Latino
HOMETOWN/STATE: Worcester, MA
NATIONAL GUARD UNIT: B-1-181IN
THEATER OF OPERATION: Operation Enduring Freedom
SPECIAL AWARDS ON DEPLOYMENTS: Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Badge