( BLACK PR WIRE) (February 11, 2010) HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The lessons learned through public service and the sacrifices made by individuals who serve in the United States military can often shape their passion and commitment to public service. The 13 extraordinary men and women featured in the 2010 Aetna African-American History Calendar have dedicated their lives to caring for others, both while serving in the military and while working to improve the quality of life in their communities back home.
Aetna (NYSE: AET) has produced the African-American History Calendar since 1982 as an annual tribute to the extraordinary and educational endeavors of African-Americans.
Aetna honors the commitment to public service as well as the sacrifices these individuals have made for our country, said Ronald A. Williams, chairman and CEO of Aetna. But their contributions only begin there. This year’s calendar celebrates the examples they set for other African-Americans by making valuable contributions in a wide variety of occupations.
The history that was made on the battlefields by loyal black heroes has been carried over into civilian life, said Gail Lumet Buckley, the author of American Patriots, a book about African-American military heroes, who also is featured in the calendar. From the Revolution onward, black veterans have effected change in their communities; usually by means of civic leadership, community service or civil rights activism.
The 2010 calendar features individuals whose military backgrounds have led them to great achievements in health care, education, government, veteran services, law enforcement and even space exploration.
One such featured individual is L. Douglas Wilder, who was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in combat during the Korean War. After a successful law career, he went on to become the first African-American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction; and in 1990, the first African-American governor in the United States.
The calendar also recognizes Drs. Vincent L. and Vance J. Moss, identical twin brothers who are world-renowned surgeons with experience in laser surgery technology and clinical practice. Before creating the Mid-Atlantic Multi-Specialty Surgical Group in Howell, N.J., the two brothers attended the United States Military Prep School at West Point and became majors in the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Corps.
One of the calendar’s most unique honorees is Dr. Yvonne Darlene Cagle, an accomplished physician, college professor and scientist who also works as an astronaut with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In addition to other honors, Dr. Cagle has received the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, United States Air Force Air Staff Exceptional Physician Commendation and National Technical Association Distinguished Scientist Award.
The 2010 African-American History Calendar Serving Our Country, Serving Our Communities: African Americans in Public Service is available for $4 by calling 860-273-0509. The online version of the calendar is available at Aetna’s diversity website: http://www.aetna.com/about-aetna-insurance/aetna-corporate-profile/diversity/aahcalendar/2010/pdf/2010_complete_calendar.pdf
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 36.1 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.