Eloise Lundgren, director of public affairs at U.S. Army Operational Test Command, received the John C. Garth Person of the Year award at the 33rd Annual “Rusty” Awards Ceremony at the Bell County Expo Center Oct. 1.

Lundgren, born and raised in Central Texas, has worked in the Central Texas area for more than 30 years – with 20 of those years being service to Fort Hood.

The “Rusty” Awards is an annual awards ceremony put on by the Bell County Judge and Commissioners’ Committee on People with Disabilities, named for the late son of the committee’s treasurer, Judy Morales.

Morales started the “Rusty” awards in her son’s name because after he was disabled due to a motorcycle accident, he continued to inspire people with and without disabilities until the end of his life. The awards are given to people in the community with disabilities who do just that – inspire.

“There are a lot of reasons Eloise was chosen for this award,” Morales said, “but the main thing is her wonderful attitude and determination through her hardships. She’s an inspiration to everyone.”

“I’m so humbled by this award, Lundgren said, adding that if her name recognition is worth anything from receiving the award, it’s to get the idea out to employers about how capable people with disabilities can be, and to encourage those suffering a disability to never give up.

“That’s all I want out of this – for people to know they can do more than they think. People are so valuable,” Lundgren said.

Lundgren was diagnosed in 2000 with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a disorder that occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system, leaving her in a wheelchair for some time, to walking with a walker, back to a wheelchair, walking with a cane and finally, to where she is today – walking without a cane or a walker, on her own and continuing to press on, happily.

Lundgren said she still struggles with the disorder daily but does everything she can to keep positive, and her love of helping people drives her on. That love for contributing to the community is felt by everyone she comes in contact with.

“Eloise is always, always smiling,” said Sharon Wilson, Lundgren’s long-time friend. “She is very sincere. It’s more than appropriate for her to be getting this award – the community could never give back to Eloise as much as she’s given to the community.

“She doesn’t only help out in Fort Hood a tremendous amount, she helps out in Belton, Temple, everywhere,” Wilson continued. “She’s a huge blessing in my life, and I know she is an incredible blessing in many other lives, as well.”

Along with many community members, three of OTC’s leaders were also in the crowd supporting Lundgren at the “Rusty” Awards Ceremony. Command Sgt. Maj. Antoine Overstreet, OTC’s command sergeant major; newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Scott Spellmon, OTC’s commander; and OTC Chief of Staff Col. Jeff Harris, who all said they were extremely lucky to have the opportunity to know and work with Lundgren.

“Eloise Lundgren is truly inspirational to all of us in the Operational Test Command,” Harris said. “We are so proud of her for being selected for this tremendous honor. We know that through her perseverance and hard work, she will continue to inspire all Central Texans who are struggling with disabilities.”