FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 12, 2011
Contacts: Garrette Silverman (Moran) – (202) 224-6521
Sarah Little (Roberts) – (202) 224-4774
KANSAN RECEIVES 2011 PRESIDENTIAL CITIZENS MEDAL
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today congratulated Roger Kemp of Leawood on receiving the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal. This honor is given to Americans who have “performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” Following the murder of his daughter in 2002, Mr. Kemp has worked tirelessly to help women protect themselves from predators and to bring criminals to justice.
“Roger Kemp is a devoted father whose perseverance in the face of great personal tragedy has made our world a better place,” Sen. Roberts said. “I applaud his efforts to empower women and to help law enforcement bring justice to those that harm others. Thank you Roger and God bless you.”
“Instead of succumbing to bitterness after the tragic death of his daughter, Roger committed himself to making his community and country a safer place,” said Sen. Moran, who wrote a letter to President Obama recommending Mr. Kemp for the Citizens Medal in May. “Through his work to raise awareness about the importance of self-defense training for women and through his efforts to help law enforcement officials apprehend dangerous criminals, Roger exemplifies the values and service honored by the Presidential Citizens Medal.”
Since 2003, more than 46,000 women have trained in self-defense through The Ali Kemp Educational Foundation (T.A.K.E.), which Mr. Kemp created in his daughter’s honor. He has also empowered the public to help law enforcement officials apprehend criminals with a “wanted” billboard initiative which posts photos of criminals. The billboards have spread nationwide and have helped apprehend more than 40 fugitives, including the “East Coast Rapist” earlier this year.
Click here to learn more about the Presidential Citizens Medal. ###
Garrette M. K. Silverman
Communications Director
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Direct: (202) 224-7784
Fax: (202) 228-6966
Garrette_Silverman@moran.senate.gov
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