Photo By Lance Cpl. Glen Santy | (From left to right) Lt. Col. Todd Caruso, commanding officer of Marine Tactical...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines with Marine tactical electronic warfare squadrons congregated to award their outstanding leadership for both the officer and staff non-commissioned officer ranks at Millers Landing here July 8.
Capt. Kevin O’Donnell, a quality assurance officer with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 (VMAQ-3), and Gunnery Sgt. Matthew L. Rumfelt, a quality assurance chief with VMAQ-1, were given the Max McDonald and Bob Reiten awards for their hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps.
The Marines were selected for their inspirational leadership and achievements while being assigned to the VMAQ squadrons for the 2010 calendar year.
“It feels great getting this award,” said Rumfelt. “Max McDonald was a large part of our proud history here on Cherry Point and it’s a great honor receiving this award.”
Col. William “Max” McDonald spent more than 30 years working for the Northrop-Grumman Corporation as an EA-6B airframes technical adviser to Marine Prowler squadrons. McDonald was instrumental in the development of maintenance techniques and procedures still used by the Prowler community today.
While deployed, Rumfelt had an outstanding 99.8 percent sortie completion rate in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and 90 percent mission completion rate in 2010.
Maj. Joshua Gordon, the executive officer of VMAQ-1, spoke about Rumfelt and what an asset he has become in the squadron.
“He [Rumfelt] is one of those Marines that everybody recognizes to be the backbone of the maintenance department,” said Gordon. Gordon said he knows this is an award for one man, but it also shows the hard work of all the staff non-commissioned officers of the squadron.
“I’d really have to thank my Marines,” said Rumfelt. “I wouldn’t have got this if it wasn’t for them.”
O’Donnell received the Bob Reiten award for his time with VMAQ-3 in support of Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed he was responsible for substantial improvements in the Airborne Electronic Attack support for 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He provided a means for enhanced coordination and increased support to those units in the Marine Prowler community.
“To paint a picture of what kind of leader Capt. O’Donnell really is, during our last deployment he got his nose deeper into some books than most people think that pilots can actually do,” said Col. Andrew Shorter, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 14. “His drive and dedication are exactly what this community needs, which is why he is most deserving of this award, and I’m very proud of him for that.”
Col. Bob “Rapid Robert” Reiten was the commanding officer of VMAQ-2, Detachment “Z” on two separate occasions and commanded Marine Aircraft Group 14 from 1993-1994. He flew more than 6,000 flight hours without disaster and was highly recognized for his exceptional leadership and tactical insight.
“It was really surprising getting the award,” said O’Donnell “I feel the entire squadron deserves it, not just me. All of the company grade officers are working hard so it’s really for all of them.”
| Date Taken: | 07.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.22.2011 12:26 |
| Story ID: | 74140 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 440 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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