GEICO Vice President Receives Prestigious Doughboy Award

Sergeant Major of the Army Richard Kidd (Retired) Recognized for Outstanding Contribution to the U.S. Army Infantry

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 -- Richard A. Kidd, 9th Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) and GEICO vice president of GEICO field representatives and military marketing, was recently awarded the Doughboy Award for his outstanding contributions to the United States Army Infantry. The Doughboy award is the highest honor the Chief of Infantry can bestow on any infantryman.

Among past recipients of the award are General Colin L. Powell, Senator Daniel Inouye, Senator Robert Dole, Senator John Tower, Ross Perot and Bob Hope.

Kidd said, "There are many Soldiers out there that are worthy of this award, I am honored and humbled to the one selected to represent them and all Infantryman past, present and future -- Follow Me, I Am The Infantry -- Hooah!"

Former Sgt. Maj. of the Army Richard Kidd's military career spanned more than three decades and included two combat tours in Vietnam. He served as the 9th Sergeant Major of the Army from 1991 to 1995.

Kidd joined GEICO as manager for military marketing in 1995 and advanced to director of military services in 1998. He was named vice president in 2005.

Among the various positions in which he's served to support military personnel are: advisory board member for Governor John Warner's Board of Veterans Affairs for the state of Virginia; vice chairman of the Council of Trustees for NCO and Soldiers Affairs for the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA); honorary board member of the United Services Organization-Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro); board member for the Armed Services Young Men's Christian Association (ASYMCA); the National Military Family Association (NMFA); the Fisher House Foundation; and was Co-chairman for the US Army Retiree Council.

He holds a degree in sociology from the University of the State of New York.

The Doughboy Award is presented on behalf of all infantrymen past and present. The term "Doughboy" originated in Texas where soldiers trained along the Rio Grande in preparation for WWI. The soldiers were called "adobes" by mounted troops because they were covered in the dusty, white adobe soil. The term later changed to "dobies" and then doughboys. The award itself is a chrome replica of a helmet worn by American Expeditionary Soldiers during World War I and early World War II.

GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the fourth largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States. It provides auto insurance coverage for more than 7 million policyholders and insures more than 11 million vehicles. GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies. Rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company, GEICO keeps its rates low by dealing directly with the customer. GEICO provides consumers with outstanding sales, service and claims capabilities on its geico.com Web site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers may also contact the company at its toll free 1-800-841-3000 number. 15 minutes could save you 15% on car insurance. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com/.