WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nine Capitol Hill police officers were recognized for their meritorious service on Tuesday, September 19, at the U.S. Capitol Police Officer Recognition & Honors Breakfast hosted by Faith & Liberty and sponsored by the Capitol Hill Forum Club and the Chief of U.S. Capitol Police.

Faith & Liberty Vice President Peggy Nienaber is president of the Capitol Hill Forum Club and presented the awards to Captain Carneysha C. Mendoza, Officer Cameron S. Kendall, Officer Taylor E. Diuguid, Officer Sean B. Jenifer, Officer Jillian C. Funkhouser, Special Agent Vincent Veloz, Special Agent Richard Larity, Officer Dareick M. Barr, and Officer Carrie L. Gobert, for their excellent performance in the line of duty. Notably, the accomplishments of the officers included assisting the birth of a baby girl, aiding a suicidal individual to get help, and assisting with staffing issues from resignations and retirements. The entire U.S. Capitol Police force was also recognized for helping to maintain safety in D.C.

The porcelain revere bowls presented to the officers were designed especially for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society with four images depicting the phases of the development of the Capitol Building framed in wreaths of green and highlighted with 22Kt trim. Inside in the bowl is an eagle clutching a banner proclaiming “E Pluribus Unum” (“Out of many, one”).

The breakfast was held in the historic Mansfield Room on the Senate side of the Capitol building. Other attendees included U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger; the Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. Senate General Karen Gibson; the Acting Architect of the Capitol Chere Rexroat; Acting Assistant Chief of Uniformed Operations Sean Gallagher, Acting Assistant Chief of Intelligence Mr. Jason Bell, and Pastor Bob Burgess of Seedline International.

Liberty Counsel Senior Counsel for Governmental Affairs Jonathan M. Alexandre sang “God Bless America and ended the event by singing “Here’s to the Heroes.”

The Capitol Hill Forum Club was founded in 1973 by a group of veterans lobbying to increase benefits for military service members and their families. Sergeant Major Mack McKinney, USMC (Ret), was the founder and persuaded members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to enact legislation to increase survivor benefits for military families and making parachute pay for officers and enlisted men equal. McKinney voted Nienaber in as the first woman president of the club in 2006. Nienaber has had the honor of presenting this award to the Officers for more than 17 years. Throughout the years the club has changed its focus to more of an informational breakfast meeting.

Faith & Liberty is a Christian ministry bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people in the Nation's Capital. We accomplish this mission through prayer, Bibles studies, worship, fellowship, and pastoral care.