Commander, Submarine Force Sailor Awarded 2009 Military Citizen of Year

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton | Petty Officer 1st Class Rodney Buse, assigned to Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, delivers an acceptance speech at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott after being awarded the 58th Annual Samuel T. Northern Military Citizen of the Year award. Sponsored by Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce-Norfolk Division Armed Forces Committee, the MCOY award recognizes outstanding junior enlisted military members for demonstrated active participation in off-duty community events in the Hampton Roads area for a period of at least one year, but not more than two years.  

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

10.08.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Stratton 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

NORFOLK, Va. — The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce-Norfolk Division Armed Forces Committee hosted the 58th Annual Samuel T. Northern Military Citizen of the Year Award Luncheon Oct. 7. The event was held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

MCOY recognizes outstanding junior-enlisted military members for demonstrated active participation in off-duty community events in the Hampton Roads area for a period of at least one year, but not more than two years.

"You can't talk about the people of Hampton Roads without talking about the military," said guest speaker Gary T. McCollum, senior vice-president and general manager for Cox Communications.

Petty Officer 1st Class Rodney Buse, assigned to Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, was this year's recipient of the award.

"I never saw it coming," said Buse. "I am extremely overwhelmed and very humbled."

Buse's chain-of-command also never saw it coming, but was proud he had won.

"I was surprised he received the award," said Capt. John Carter, director of strategic operations, COMSUBFOR, Atlantic. "His competition was stiff, but he had a strong and unique award package. We had to recommend him."

Buse founded the Bicycle Motocross for Christ Ministries, volunteering 234 hours to the organization. He also participated in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure and Clean the Bay Day. Buse also volunteered for Bethany Christian Services, where he assisted in providing education to people considering adopting a special-needs child.

Of the 17 finalists that competed for the coveted honor of MCOY, 12 were Sailors.

The MCOY luncheon is the kick-off event for Fleet Week Hampton Roads. Fleet Week honors the long-standing relationship between the community and the military in the region through a wide variety of events.

• Date Taken: 10.08.2009
• Date Posted: 10.08.2009 12:29
• Story ID: 39839
• Location: NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US