MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. --
The U.S. Marine Corps Combat Correspondents
Association hosted an awards banquet to honor distinguished guests and award
winners in the combat correspondents community at the Hilton Double Tree Hotel
in New Bern, North Carolina, Aug. 19.
The guest of honor was Maj. Gen. Gary Thomas, the
commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Thomas recognized the
association president, along with other distinguished members and award winners
for their accomplishments.
“It is a privilege to be here with so many
distinguished writers, photographers, artists, and present day public affairs
and combat camera Marines,” said Thomas. “You are the ones responsible for making
sure the world knows what our Marines are doing.”
Thomas relayed to the crowd the importance of combat
correspondents, now known as communication specialists, and the impact they
have on the past, present and future of the Marine Corps.
According to Thomas, the role of public affairs is
important because it tells the story of the Marine Corps.
Guests at the awards banquet included veterans from
various past wars; ranging between World War II to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Also honored at the banquet was the late Dickey Chapelle.
This year marked the 50th anniversary of her death while out in the field
covering Marines. Chapelle was awarded the Brig. Gen. Robert L. Denig Distinguished
Service Memorial Award, posthumously, accepted by Betsy Meyer and Rob Meyer,
Chapelle’s niece and nephew.
History shows that Chapelle’s fellow Marines loved
her because she dug her own foxholes and struggled alongside of them.
Addressing all combat correspondents, Thomas
expressed his appreciation for their work and efforts.
“We are very proud of you all and what you bring,” said
Thomas. “You are all an important part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.”