Springfield District Court Assistant Chief Margaret E. Oglesby, awarded the Bronze medal for her service in Afghanistan, was recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus at the group's recent 2004 Annual Legislative weekend. The Caucus recognized Oglesby at its 16^th Annual Veteran's Brain Trust, one of a series of events held during the Legislative weekend.

 

"Honoring African-American Women Veterans" was the theme of the event. The purpose of the Brain Trust, according to the Caucus, is to "honor America's African American Women Veterans, our distinguished recipients, and further a dialogue between the veterans' community and lawmakers, which can develop into policies that enhance the quality of life for our nation's veterans."

 

Oglesby accepted a plaque from Congresswoman Corrine Brown, D-Florida and Congressman Sanford Bishop, D-Georgia during the ceremony held at the New Washington Convention Center.

 

A captain in the United States Army, Oglesby is the commander of the 747^th Military Police Company based in Southbridge. She is credited for leading all 150 soldiers under her command without any causalities during Operation Enduring Freedom. She and her troop were deployed in January 2003 and the entire troop returned safely nine months later.

 

Oglesby was also recognized by the Springfield City Council and named "Outstanding Massachusetts National Guard Mentor for 2003" by the Massachusetts National Guard. Oglesby is a 15-year employee of the Massachusetts Probation Service.