His ever present effort stands out, not with flash and bluster, but rather the grit and determination that stands against the wearying forces of frustration that have taken so many others out of the fight.

North Carolina's Hugh McWilliams received prestigious and rare recognition as a volunteer activist when he was awarded the Dr. Thomas Coburn Challenge Coin at the recent COS Leadership Summit in Indianapolis. Here is Hugh receiving the award: ====== An error occurred. ====== Unable to execute JavaScript. ===== Why was Hugh selected for this honor? ===== RED: McWilliams is a red-blooded American, having graduated from the US Naval Academy and then serving 28 years, culminating his career as a naval captain. He first served his country as a gunnery officer in Vietnam, then as a pilot, flight instructor, and commanding officer of an aviation squadron. After demonstrating such leadership skills, McWilliams was assigned as Director, Joint Forces Command, Washington Liaison working with the US Senate and House Armed Services and Intelligence Committees. At the same time, he was the United States Liaison Officer to the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic working issues between the Joint Forces staff and NATO staff. WHITE: Hugh exemplifies purity of heart and steadfast values. As State Director Vanessa Paulson commented, “Hugh is a quiet servant leader who often flies under the radar due to his humility.” David Plamondon added, “Small of stature, quiet of voice, steady of temperament, and strong of convictions, who by his example of perseverance in the face of adversity rises to the forefront among a team of valiant patriots. His ever present effort stands out, not with flash and bluster, but rather the grit and determination that stands against the wearying forces of frustration that have taken so many others out of the fight. In the 1963 film McLintock, John Wayne stars as G. W. McLintock, a prosperous rancher on the late 19th century American frontier. McLintock warns his daughter against the softness of prosperity cautioning her not to become “all show and no stay.” In a world where almost everyone and everything is characterized by “show”, Hugh McWilliams is a towering example of “stay”. BLUE: Hugh is true blue in his dedication. Regional Director Grant Martin wrote, “It was an honor to award Hugh the challenge coin at this year's summit. He has been a consistent and steady force for the North Carolina COS team for over 7 years now, serving as a Regional Captain for almost 5 years. He has an amazing ability to build strong relationships with everyone he meets, this includes volunteer activists, legislators, and legislative staff. He constantly shows up at COS events all across the state and is willing to do whatever to help. He is an amazing patriot who keeps on pushing forward and encouraging and serving the grassroots army.” McWilliams advanced from district captain to regional captain and is also a member of the veterans' coalition and SIA team. McWilliams is in good company. Only 357 Challenge Coins have been awarded in the 12 years of Convention of States. If evenly divided, each state would have 2% of the coins. North Carolina has earned 4.7% of the coins. Former North Carolina recipients include: Susan Bertuccelli, Judy Carter, Jane Cookson, John Dahmen, Frank Empie, Glen Englram, Mike Faulkenberry, Jeff Groh, Gary Norris, Vanessa Paulsen, Joy Ruhmann, Wayne Stanley, Luther Vann, and Kate West. Want to be part of this dynamic group working to save our country through term limits, fiscal responsibility, and reducing government overreach? Sign the petition (click link here) or volunteer and take action (click link here). Suzanne McPherson Mentor, State Content Writer, Volunteer Activist, Patriot