AUGUSTA – SGM Sandra Beauchesne of Lewiston was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding meritorious achievement with Recruiting and Retention Command, Maine Army National Guard.

Maine Army National Guard recruiting and retention force has increased the number of soldiers to 100 percent strength for the first time in a decade while supporting the Global War on Terrorism.

As of Oct. 1, the Maine Guard started fiscal year 2008 with 2,109 soldiers on the roster, exceeding its total authorized personnel of 2,100.

The medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

Assigned at Camp Keyes, Beauchesne is the highest ranking enlisted female soldier in the Maine Army National Guard. She and Robert Beauchesne reside in Lewiston.