FORT LEE, Va. – As part of a new community recognition program, post leaders here presented the first Good Neighbor Awards during a virtual Civilian Military Council meeting conducted May 26 and hosted by Chesterfield County.
The Good Neighbor Award was developed as a way to recognize civilian community members for their support of the post, its military personnel and their families. The first two recipients are Denny Morris, former executive director for the Crater Planning District Commission, and Michael Coleman, former military liaison for Virginia Veterans Defense Affairs.
Coleman and Morris were invited to the Combined Arms Support Command headquarters to receive their awards at the start of the CMC meeting that was attended by approximately 50 elected officials, local business leaders and military representatives. Maj. Gen. Rodney D. Fogg, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, made the presentation.
Both recipients received a framed two-star note that congratulated them “for the many partnerships they created, bringing about economic reform and workforce issues that had a positive impact on our military.”
“Recognizing local community members for their dedication to our military is critical,” Fogg underscored during the presentation. “We could not do all that we do without support from our neighboring communities.”
This award is intended to strengthen ties between Fort Lee and its community partners. Community leaders here have long recognized the tremendous levels of support that come from all neighboring localities. It is in many forms and from all walks of life. The Good Neighbor Award is another way to express thanks for that support and the CMC is excited to see this new initiative in place.
Going forward, the Garrison Public Affairs Office will solicit nominations annually from major commands and tenant organizations, asking them to highlight community members who contribute significantly to the military’s well-being and are deserving of recognition. Nomination packets will be screened by an award selection board, which in turn submits its selectees to the senior commander for approval.
Up to seven individuals may be recognized annually – one each from Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Hopewell, Petersburg, Prince George and Richmond.
Each year, honorees will be invited to the August CMC for lunch with the commanding general and other military leaders, followed by the presentation of their awards. Those individuals also will be invited to functions and events on the installation such as changes of command, culinary luncheons, museum tours and dedication ceremonies.
For additional information about CMC or the Good Neighbor Award, send an email to ArmyFortLee.PAO@mail.mil.
Social Sharing