UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 11/10/11 08 REG. SESS. 08 RS BR 1775
A RESOLUTION commending Natasha Turpin Preston for her heroism and valor.
WHEREAS, on the afternoon of April 25, 2007, Natasha Turpin Preston, a Casey
County High School junior and Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Master Sergeant, was
going to visit her grandmother when she saw a man on fire from his waist up. She
immediately jumped from her car to help him, tearing his flaming shirt from his body,
and putting out the fire; and
WHEREAS, Natasha Preston's only thoughts were of how she could help 73-year
old Hack Monday. Her own safety and well-being did not enter her mind. Her quick
action and bravery saved Mr. Monday's life; and
WHEREAS, Natasha Preston's act of heroism and bravery inspired her fellow Casey
County High School Air Force JROTC cadets last semester and prompted JROTC
instructor Master Sergeant Gary Emerson to submit her name for consideration for the
program's Gold Valor Award, a medal recognizing the "most outstanding voluntary acts
of self-sacrifice and personal bravery by a cadet involving risking his or her life and going
beyond the call of duty," according to the Air Force JROTC Uniform and Awards Guide.
On January 15, 2008, Natasha Preston received the Gold Valor Award from Colonel Gary
Chilcott, the Air Force ROTC area coordinator for the program, in a special ceremony at
Casey County High School; and
WHEREAS, Natasha Turpin Preston's proud parents, Donna and John Turpin,
attribute Natasha's quick thinking to her ROTC training and her innate leadership ability.
After accepting the award, Natasha expressed how proud she knew her late grandfather, a
United States Navy veteran, would be. Colonel Gary Chilcott also expressed his pride in
Natasha, "The award is the highest a JROTC can receive. . . I am so very proud of
Natasha." Natasha is married to Josh Preston and has two brothers, Jessie Ray and James
Preston;
NOW, THEREFORE,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of the
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BR177500.100-1775
UNOFFICIAL COPY AS OF 11/10/11 08 REG. SESS. 08 RS BR 1775
Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. The House of Representatives commends Natasha Turpin Preston for
demonstrating exceptional quick thinking, bravery, self-sacrifice, and a remarkable
humanitarian spirit by coming to the aid of Hack Monday.
Section 2. The House of Representatives shares the pride of all those who know
Natasha Turpin Preston and congratulates her for being the recipient of the Air Force
JROTC Gold Valor Award.
Section 3. When the House of Representatives adjourns this day, it does so in
honor of Natasha Turpin Preston.
Section 4. The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to transmit a
copy of this Resolution to Natasha Turpin Preston, 125 Liberty Manor Lane, Liberty
Manor Apartments, No. 29, Liberty, Kentucky 42539.
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BR177500.100-1775