On behalf of the Fort Pitt Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) and the Pittsburgh Warrior Community, I am pleased to nominate Bruce Bickel for the prestigious General John Forbes Distinguished Service Award in recognition of your life time service to your country, the Armed Forces and the Pittsburgh Community.

This year, the GEN John Forbes Distinguished Service Award will be presented during the Fourth Annual Pittsburgh Armed Forces Ball at the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command HQ in Coraopolis, PA on Saturday November 10th, 2018. With nearly 300 community, industry, service members and veterans invited, free of charge, we anticipate another amazing event.

As you may know, John Forbes (1707-59) is considered by many the founder of Pittsburgh. He was the Scottish born British General who succeeded in forcing the French out of Fort Duquesne and immediately ordered the construction of Fort Pitt and named the settlement between the Mongahela and Allegheny rivers, Pittsburgh. He dedicated his life to service to his country the Pennsylvania Community and the Warriors that served with him. Ultimately giving his life, via illness, for the community of Pittsburgh. We honor him and the military history and tradition of Pittsburgh by presenting those “Yinzers” who have dedicated their lives to the country and our community with the award in his honor.

Some of the recipients of the award are LTG retired William “Gus” Pagonis. A Vietnam veteran, master-mind behind the logistical plan for the first Gulf War. Brigadier General Peter Phillipy, an Army Air corps fighter pilot in WWII who eventually came to command various Air National Guard units in the Pittsburgh area. As well as recipient of numerous USAF awards for speed records and aerial gunnery. Hon Jessica Wright, first woman aviator in the Army National Guard, first woman to command a combat aviation brigade and former Adjutant General of the PANG and Under Secretary of Defense. Like many of our previous recipients you embody what it is to be from Pittsburgh; Pride, Grit and Hardwork (PG&H).

From your service in Vietnam, not just as a fighter pilot and forward air controller and eventually getting shot down, but your sense to do good for others in the middle of a warzone by building an orphanage in Hieu after the Tet Offensive. To your work as a minister counselor and eventually at PNC where you were responsible for helping family foundations support our community, region and country through financial grants and contributions. Your life has been one of service to people and a higher power.

In summary, the GEN John Forbes Distinguished Service Award is an important opportunity to honor those who carry on the essence of the Pittsburgh Community and the Warriors and Leaders who claim her as their home. Mr. Bickel, your service to this nation and your continued support both publicly and privately of our Warrior Community and Pittsburgh certainly reflects the spirit and attributes of the Pittsburgh Warriors, Community and National leaders who founded our great city. As well as to those who look to them and to you and will soon be leaders them self’s. We would be honored and humbled if you would accept this award. We are hopeful that your schedule will allow us to present this honor at this event.