Jerry Howard, the commissioner of the Mavericks League, was presented the Oregon Distinguished Service Award, one of the state’s most prestigious awards.
The presentation was made on July 4 at the 15th annual Patriotic Tribute at Volcanoes Stadium. Oregon National Guard Brigadier General Mark Crosby was dispatched by Gov. Kate Brown to present the award to Howard.
The award is stated “For exceptionally distinguished service for over 15 years to the State of Oregon. Mr. Howard is one of the finest ambassadors for the Armed Forces, the Oregon Military Department and our communities…His untiring efforts will have a lasting impact on the preservation of our communities’ tradition of paying tribute to all branches of the military as a symbol of freedom.”
This is not the first time Howard has been honored.
In 2019, he received the highest civilian award presented by the United States Army, the Distinguished Service Award, for his efforts in putting on the annual Patriotic Tribute event.
That same year, the Volcanoes Patriotic Tribute received the national Charles K. Murphy Award for the best patriotic tribute of the 160 minor league baseball teams.