Temecula Teen Receives Congressional Award Gold Medal

On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, Josiah Bierle, age 17, was presented the Congressional Award Gold Medal by U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter.

Josiah has previously received the Bronze and Silver Medals, and with determination completed the requirements for the Gold Medal.

The Congressional Award has four categories with each requiring a commitment to time and service. The categories were Volunteer Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration.

Josiah completed 400 hours of Volunteer/Community Service working at the Temecula Public Library, March Field Air Museum as a Junior Docent and in the restoration department, and working events with the Civil Air Patrol/Air Force Auxiliary.

His Personal Development required at least 200 hours, and was accomplished by preparing for and attaining his Private Pilot License, which he completed on his 17th birthday.

The 200+ hours for Physical Fitness were completed through competitive swimming. Josiah is a Junior Olympic level competitive swimmer.

The final requirement was a 4-day/4-night Expedition to a location that would be completely new to him. Josiah chose to plan a camping trip and hiking in the Anza-Borrego Desert. Two beautiful hikes and exploration of Font’s Point and Slot Canyon highlighted the trip, as well as adapting to some extreme weather involving rain, sleet, and snow during the last night.

Josiah has enjoyed the challenges of the Congressional Award Program so much, that he now has become an advisor to another young man who is completing the requirements to attain his Bronze Medal.

Josiah is a High School Senior this year, and with the application process almost complete, aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy next year.

--Information and photo provided by Shawn Bierle, Josiah’s father