"The Above and Beyond Award was presented to Kelly McConnell, of Givens Pursley Law Firm in Boise on Dec. 14, 2009. Kelly, a lawyer with Givens Pursley, provided Pro Bono representation to correct the birth certificate of an Idaho National Guard soldier who was wounded by an IED and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury. He was being denied Social Security benefits based on the incorrect birth certificate. The soldier had attempted for two years to correct his birth certificate with no success. Kelly was able to correct the paperwork to allow the soldier to receive his benefits.  Kelly is a true patriot for lending her time and expertise to a soldier in need. A big thanks also goes out to the Managing Partners of Givens Pursley for allowing Kelly to make a difference!"  

A couple years ago Kelly attended a Bosslift and was inspired to join the committee.  She had never served in the military but wanted to contribute in some way.  Since that time she has been part of numerous employer award presentations in the Boise area.  At the 2009 Bosslift she volunteered to play the role of Civil War Doctor, Mary Edwards Walker.  Dr. Walker, one of the nation's 1.8 million women veterans, was the only one to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, for her service during the Civil War. She, along with thousands of other women, were honored in the newly-dedicated Women in Military Service for America Memorial in October 1997. Kelly rented a costume and memorized a talk to the employers that Mary Edwards Walker may have given to a group of citizens.  It was very inspirational.