Don Patterson was presented a Certificate of Appreciation and coin from Michael S. Linnington, Major General, US Army, Commanding.

The certificate read "Outstanding civic support to America's Wounded Warriors in care of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington's Medical Evacuation to CONUS Hospitals (MECH) operation.

For many years, Mr. Don Patterson, also known as the "Cane Man", backed by several civic organizations with which he has cultivated relationships, has provided help to Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, Sailors, and Coast Guardsmen, through donated clothing, blankets, food products, and walking canes.

On numerous occasions, he has visited MECH operations at Andrews Air Force Base and National Capital Region Hospitals, offering his time and assistance, and providing critical supplies.

Mr. Patterson, ever-ready to help, patriotic, generous, and faithful to those making the greatest sacrifices, has volunteered countless hours for America's Wounded.

By these actions, Mr. Patterson has demonstrated superior allegiance to the noble tradition of charitable organization support of the America's Armed Forces".

By Michael S. Linnington, Major General, US Army, Commanding.

After receiving the award Mr. Patterson thanked the General and all there and stated "I basically am just the UPS guy for great organizations who support and supply me like The Heart of a Marine Foundation, Marines Care Foundation, the Slattery Detachment, MCL and all the others who have helped me to help America's Wounded".

(L-R) Colonel Claude Schmid, US Army, Major General Michael S. Linnington, US Army, Don Patterson, GSGT Paul E. Minix, USMC