Warrens Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier Honored For Outstanding Volunteer Service

STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WKBT) – A Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldier from Warrens who was honored for his volunteer efforts on and off duty credits his faith, family and chain of command for his ability to support so many initiatives.

Sgt. 1st Class John Battista, a member of the Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion, received the Military Medal for Outstanding Volunteer Service in a recent surprise ceremony at Stevens Point.

The medal recognizes substantial volunteer service – considered beyond the call of duty – in a soldier’s local community.

Such service comes naturally to Battista, who said, “I believe that as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, we not only have a responsibility to the soldiers we lead, but also to the community within. which we serve. “

Battista is very active with his church, Bible Free Evangelical Church in Tomah, where his wife, Krishna, is the director of children’s ministry.

He has partnered with other church leaders to launch a caring ministry that meets a wide range of needs, such as mobilizing teams of volunteers to respond quickly to reports of food or money shortages. or people who need help moving.

Battista organized a team of volunteers to teach church hunting safety education classes to more than 100 students. He also developed a ministry to engage young people – mainly those whose father is not involved – in outdoor activities with a team of positive male role models.

Battista also served as a volunteer helper for the Grade 1 Kindergarten and Sunday School program at Bible Free until another volunteer could be installed.

He recently volunteered as a senior counselor in a cabin at Sunshine Camp at the Kentucky Mountain Mission, a Christian camp for adults with special needs.

Battista “won over campers and other counselors” with his “positive and energetic compassion,” according to his award nomination, as well as helping his cabin win various camp competitions.

“My faith in Christ, my family and the soldiers I support have been the focal point of my life for many years,” said Battista, adding that his personal and professional life is based on leadership in service to others.

Battista also volunteers with Family Promise of Monroe County, providing hospitality to homeless families. He regularly transports people and beds for the program, and he serves as an EMT / volunteer firefighter at Camp Douglas, Wis.

Battista has spent countless hours connecting soldiers in crisis to services to meet their immediate and long-term needs. He raised over $ 3,000 for NCO clubs by volunteering to park cars for the Marshfield Clinic.

Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Duffy, commanding officer of Battista, described him as “an exemplary officer (non-commissioned officer) who always sets an example”.

“He not only excels in his duties as a retention non-commissioned officer for the 108th Forward Support Company, but he regularly seeks opportunities to give back to his community in his spare time,” said Duffy. “His actions and volunteer work inspire those around him to be and do better.”

Battista, who was surprised to receive the honor, extended the credit, saying, “Without the support of my chain of command and my family, I would not have been able to participate in these organizations.”

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