Duncan, Deputy Assistant Secretary Present Hooper with Navy Award

For Immediate Release

August 9, 2005

Knoxville, Tenn. - Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr., (R-Tenn.) joined Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Nicholas Kunesh this morning to present journalist Ed Hooper with the Navy's Meritorious Public Service Award.

Hooper, who was raised in Knox County and graduated from the University of Tennessee, received the award as a result of his work as an anchor and reporter at Knoxville-based radio station WIVK.

"Voices from the Front," a program created and produced by Hooper and broadcast twice each week by WIVK, allowed sailors deployed throughout the world to share their stories with thousands of listeners. 

In addition, Hooper always ensured the servicemembers featured in "Voices from the Front" were able to speak with their loved ones during the program.

WIVK also aired many other segments produced by Hooper that honored our nation's military during his years at the radio station, including a month-long series of reports filed from Iraq last February detailing the work of East Tennessee troops serving with the 489th Civil Affairs Battalion.

Hooper currently serves as editor of the Civil War Courier and the Camp Chase Gazette, another Civil War publication.  He also continues his work with tennesseehistory.com, a Web site he created to assist teachers and children studying the Volunteer State.

The regional director of the Navy Office of Information nominated Hooper for the award, and Duncan penned a letter to the Secretary of the Navy supporting the nomination.

"Ed is one of the most patriotic people I know, and there is no question that he deserves this award.  His work to increase awareness of the sacrifices made by those in the military is tremendous, and I am pleased the Navy has recognized his efforts," Duncan said.