Retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett accepted the award in Indianapolis during the organization’s Fall Meetings.
Retired U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Micheal Barrett was unable to attend the American Legion’s 105th National Convention in New Orleans in late August where he was to be presented with a surprise. However, he was able to accept the surprise on Wednesday, Oct. 9, during the Legion’s Fall Meetings held in the John P. “Jake” Comer National Executive Committee Room on the fourth floor at National Headquarters.
Immediate American Legion Past National Commander Daniel Seehafer presented Barrett with The American Legion’s prestigious Patriot Award, calling him “an outstanding military leader, a strong veterans advocate and a dedicated Legionnaire.”
Barrett served 34 years in the Marines, which included combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, sniper duty in the Gulf War and numerous military awards, and was the 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps. A member of American Legion Post 18 in Bloomington, Ind., in part, his Patriot Award reads, “You have been an outstanding leader and spokesman for The American Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent veteran suicide. You have inspired thousands of American Legion delegates at previous national conventions with your 'get it done' message delivered with the genteel demeanor of a Marine Corps drill instructor. Your vital efforts for America’s veterans epitomize The American Legion’s ideals of public service.”
As he stood before members of the NEC and other Legion officers, Barrett said, “I was not expecting to be recognized for this wonderful award.” He reflected on if he had been in New Orleans to receive it, what would he have said in his acceptance remarks. He was drawn back to when he was a young boy in Sunday school and how he was taught that life was joy.
“As a teen I was inspired by events that led me down the path of military service. During those 34, almost 35 years of active service, I found that life is service. As a Marine, I’ve discovered that service is joy. And I choose to continue my path of service because I truly know no other way because I’ve seen what service does for others who need it. I am grateful for this award. I did not expect it.”
- Be the One