Student Doctor Spencer Sawyer, a third-year student at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, was one of 15 Idahoans honored with the 2024 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award, bestowed by U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).

Student Doctor Sawyer was presented with the award during the Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Senator Crapo created the award in 2002 to recognize Idaho veterans and volunteers for their outstanding service to our country and its veterans. Since the award’s creation 22 years ago, 400 Spirit of Freedom Awards have been bestowed.

The Idaho Veterans Assistance League (IVAL) nominated Student Doctor Sawyer for his service to veterans at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise, where he made the canteen a reliable haven for the Home’s residents, and assisted with fishing trips, bingo, and other outings and events for residents.

Student Doctor Sawyer was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 2022 and is in the Individual Ready Reserve while completing medical school at ICOM. His father also served in the U.S. military as an infantry Marine attached to a small boat company.