Marine Corps Aviation Association honors units and personal accomplishments

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Marine Corps Aviation Association honors units and personal accomplishments
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification Number: 20031112111433
Story by Cpl. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc



MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C.(Nov. 6, 2003) -- The Marine Corps Aviation Association held it's 32nd Annual MCAA awards luncheon and banquet at the New Bern Convention Center Oct. 25.

The MCAA award ceremony is a prestigious event for the Marine Corps aviation community to honor the accomplishments of units and individuals.

"In Marine aviation, it's one of the main goals for a squadron to be named the best," said Daniel Meador, corporate program manager with MCAA. "This is something every squadron works hard and strives to be recognized as the best in their accomplishments."

The ceremony recognized 26 MCAA award winners chosen by Headquarters Marine Corps, and sponsored by aviation-related industries.

Marine Corps' senior leadership, aviation dignitaries, and guests were present for the award ceremonies.

Unit awards were presented by Gen. Michael Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. John Estrada., Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, during the luncheon presentation.

In the evening, personal awards were recognized during the banquet presentation, which were presented by Gen. William Nyland, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

"The MCAA awards ceremony is an important event for Marine aviation," said James Casey, deputy executive director with MCAA. "It has become a tradition in our community ever since the first award was presented to Colonel John Glenn in 1962. As part of that tradition, we normally have the commandant present the awards to show how important HQMC views these accomplishments."

The 26 awards are split evenly between enlisted and officers to recognize all those who contribute to the Marine aviation mission.

"This event is significant to the aviation community to honor the past, present and future in aviation," Meador said. "It brings together our aviators of today and retired Marine aviators. It also helps better relations with the Marine Corps' industry partners. This allows them to see the accomplishments that come from the services and products they provide. It means a lot to them and they feel honored to be a part of the event."




Gen. William Nyland, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, recieves the silver hawk award during the Marine Corps Aviation Association awards ceremony. The ceremony recognized units and idividuals for their aviation achievements. Photo by: Cpl. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc

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