Sailor Honored by the American Diabetes Association

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (NNS) -- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recognized Master-At-Arms 1st Class Joshua Bright of Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland for his outstanding contributions and leadership in community service Jan. 17.

Bright was presented the SHARE Leadership Volunteer Award during an awards recognition ceremony and dinner. The award recognizes his contribution of more than 300 hours to help raise money and organize volunteers for events.

Bright's efforts in support of the "Tour de Cure" event that raised more than $300,000 also received notable mention by the ADA.

"I truly appreciate the recognition I received this evening," said Bright. "I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the ADA and feel like we have made a difference in the fight against diabetes."

Bright also expressed the pride he holds for his fellow shipmates who also volunteered time to help the ADA.

"I would not have been here if not for the efforts of these student volunteers and the support of my command. Thank you," he said.

According to ADA representative Elizabeth Tobias, the ADA raises money each year to provide both education and research about diabetes. To support specific programs such as the "Step Out" and "Tour de Cure" events, the ADA partners with volunteers from the medical, corporate, and military communities. To honor of these volunteers, the ADA holds an annual celebration dinner to recognize their outstanding contributions throughout the year.

"I cannot express in mere words how much it meant to have the Navy volunteers at the Tour de Cure. I want to thank you personally for your leadership and your commitment to the Tour de Cure committee throughout the long planning period," said David Sloan, ADA chairman of the board.

NTTC Commanding Officer Cmdr. Lee Alexander added, "I am proud of Petty Officer Bright for the two awards he received tonight and the great work he did last year with and for this important organization."

Naval Technical Training Center Lackland is one of fourteen training locations within the Center for Security Forces domain. The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28 thousand students each year across the U.S. and around the world.

For more news from and information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf/ or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ#.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Security Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/csf/.