"It's the highest award we give to civilians," said Maj. Gen. Brian L. Tarbet. "We just recognize people who have been great role models to us."
In addition to President Uchtdorf and Herbert, those honored were Fred C. Adams, founder of the Utah Shakespearean Festival; Richard A. Parkinson, president and chief executive officer of Associated Food Stores Inc.; Chief Master Sgt. Robert A. Hill of the Utah National Guard; and honorary Col. Gerald R. "Skip" Daynes, owner of Daynes Music Co.
In honor of late U.S. Army Maj. George Wahlen, his widow, Melba H. Wahlen, also was awarded the Bronze Minuteman.
"I feel really honored," Melba Wahlen said, "because I know my husband's here with me tonight. I really feel humble about it."
"It's a great privilege and honor to be recognized by the Guard whom I all love and appreciate for who they are and what they stand for," President Uchtdorf said. "They're such representation of good things — liberty, freedom — but also the goodness of individuals."
