Paris, Tenn.–If you’re looking for an ideal local military couple that has sacrificed for years in service to country, you need look no further than Laura and Jamie Dougherty of Paris.
Laura Dougherty was recently presented with the Military Spouse Medal by the Tennessee National Guard at the 251st Military Police Company in Lexington. She was awarded for her commitment and service to the soldiers and families with her husband, 1SG Jamie Dougherty by her side. He is readying to retire from the 212th Engineer Company in mid-June after 39.5 years of service.
At the ceremony, officers said Laura Dougherty has been the force behind many family events, most notably, the unit holiday party at the 212th Engineer Company at the Armory in Paris. “Laura spent countless hours each year, decorating the armory, and, gathering donations and Christmas gifts, to ensure no child left without presents.” said CW3 (Ret.) Anthony Clark, who served alongside Dougherty’s husband from 2012 until 2018.
Officers at the ceremony said Laura Dougherty would begin working many weeks before an event, often staying until 8 or 9 PM multiple nights a week on top of her full-time civilian job to ensure that the Armory was decorated and that toys were separated into the appropriate age groups.
One of her prized decorations at the holidays were individually dressed and decorated Christmas trees to line the drill hall. Upon learning that once a soldier asked to take home a tree, as she did not have one for her family, she ensured from that year forward, that there were always extra trees and toys available for any soldier who needed them.
Former commander of the 212th Engineer Company, CPT Christian Yoder spoke of witnessing her selfless service first hand. “I was truly blessed to have such a caring and selfless volunteer as Mrs. Dougherty willing to sacrifice her time to ensure our soldiers were always taken care of. She gave the soldiers a sense of comfort and caring. We were infinitely more successful with her volunteer spirt and willingness. We owe her a great debt of gratitude for all her efforts for our Soldiers that we will not be able to repay”
The Military Spouse Medal is awarded to those who go above and beyond in support of their military member. Awardees are nominated by the soldiers that they serve, then approved by the unit, Battalion, and State Leadership. The Medal citation acknowledges those who “answer the call of duty and unwaveringly serve to the best of their ability without pieces of cloth or uniforms to demonstrate their service”.
It was especially fitting for Laura to receive the award as her husband prepares to retire after his lengthy and fulfilling career. May 2, 2021 was his last military formation after serving in the Tennessee National Guard for 39.5 years.
“That’s over 460 drill weekends, 39 annual trainings, two deployments, 9 overseas deployment trainings building schools and clinics in Dominica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Haiti, Guatemala, Bulgaria, Virgin Islands, over 20 missions working tornado damage, flood waters, ice & snow storms, building a playground for handicapped children in Clarksville and three trips securing the border. My mission was to leave the 251ST MP CO in better condition than when I got there. I believe with all 5 AGRs and Soldiers we have succeeded,” he said.