Today at the White House, President Obama welcomed thirteen individuals from around the country to receive the 2010 Citizens Medal -- the nation's second-highest civilian honor -- for exemplary service for their fellow citizens. Among this year's distinguished recipients: Betty Kwan Chinn. From the White House press release:
Betty Kwan Chinn, Eureka, CAThe Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. This year, President Obama chose to use the 2010 Citizens Medal to recognize Americans whose work has had a significant impact on their communities but may not have garnered national attention.
Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have fallen on hard times. Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became mute. When she came to America, she found both her voice and her mission: aiding those without shelter on our own shores. Today, Chinn provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming nation. Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America's promise by serving those in need.
To learn more about the 2010 Presidential Citizens Medal winners and their service to their communities, go to the White House website here.