MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz., -- A House Proclamation was presented to the station commander and Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter on May 25 on the Arizona House floor in Phoenix.
The Arizona House of Representatives recognized the station’s record of achievement and commitment to excellence, specifically recognizing the station’s recent reception of the 2006 Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence.
The award is based on exemplary support of Department of Defense missions and recognizes the outstanding and innovative efforts of the people who operate and maintain military installations.
Five installations, one from each branch of service, are chosen to receive the decoration and $200,000 federal grant for quality-of-life improvements.
The station is also authorized to fly the Excellent Installation Flag for a year.
The House decided it was fitting to recognize the station for all the work the Marines have done, said Rep. Russ Jones, Arizona House representative for District 24.
The station has done exceptional work in representing and bringing honor to the military, the Marine Corps and this country, he said.
A House Proclamation is drafted by the House to honor extraordinary feats of accomplishments, most times in the forms of memorials, honoring service members who have given their lives in combat, added Jones.
Jones said the House chose to honor the station and all military members who have served the United States in May to coincide with the Memorial Day weekend.
House Proclamation is a rare honor, said Tom Manfredi, station community planner.
The fact the House made the effort to create the proclamation is something to be proud of, said Manfredi.
It is good to know the work the Marines put into their duties makes a difference and is recognized, said Cpl. Michael J. Sandall, H&HS chief weather observer and recipient of the H&HS NCO of the Quarter award.
The Marine Corps is an example for all, said Jones. That is why the House gave the station commander, Col. Ben D. Hancock, a standing ovation on the House floor.
Jones said he wanted to leave the station with a few words of wisdom, “Semper Fi.”
The proclamation can be viewed at the station Web site, http://ww.yuma.usmc.mil.