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AWARD IS FROM U.S. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
By: Mr. Arthur W. King,
Director, Military Personnel Division,
Military Sealift Command, Atlantic
(reprinted from Calamba Gazette)
Jersey City, NJ, January 9, 1998.
Chief Personnelman Antoine M. Alonzo received from the Secretary of the Navy, as
recommended by the Commodore, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic today, a Navy and Marine
Corps Commendation Medal. The medal was awarded to Chief Alonzo for meritorious
service as Military Personnel Chief while assigned to Military Sealift Command.
Captain Andrew J. Allen, USN, the command's Deputy Commander and Chief Staff Officer
presented the medal during Chief Alonzo's retirement luncheon, held at the OK GRILL in
Jersey City. The citation, due to paperwork constraints, will be received sometime
after February 1998. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, is awarded only
to those who distinguished themselves from the rest with superior professional performance
of duties and those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, while the Navy
Commendation Medal, the one he received today, a more prestigious medal, is
awarded for meritorious or heroic achievement or service.
The medal is the 13th medal that Chief Alonzo received during his career in the
navy, but nevertheless, bestows the highest honor. Among the medals and meritorious
and commendatory ribbons he received during his career are: 3 Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medals, 4 Navy Good Conduct Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Service Medal, 2
National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal,
Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, 4 Sea Service Ribbons, 2 Battle Efficiency Ribbons
and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. During his career, Chief Alonzo received numerous
letters of commendation and appreciation from various Admirals and Commanding Officers,
including one from General Shaskavili, a former Chairman of the Joint Chief of
Staff. Most of the chief's awards are for his superlative management and leadership
abilities, as well as for his exceptional computer expertise.
Chief Alonzo declined Military Sealift
Command to hold a full Honor Military Retirement Ceremony for him at Naval Station,
Norfok, Virginia. However, Master Chief Cheeks insisted that at least a Retirement
Luncheon be given in his honor and drove all the way from Virginia. Among those who
were present at the way from way from Virginia. Among those who were present at
the ceremony were Captain Andrew J. Allen, Master Chief Cheeks, Chief Sigmon
and his wife Alicia and Mrs. Olga Alonzo, Chief Alonzo's spouse.
A plaque and a "shadow box" complete with a United States flag, medals and
ribbons were also given by Command Chief's Association and were presented by Master Chief
Cheeks, while Capt Allen also presented a plaque of appreciation for outstanding service
from the command. Several speeches were given by Capt Allen, Master Chief Cheeks,
and Chief Paul Sigmon (Officer in Charge of USNS BUTTE) during the luncheon which made
Mrs. Olga Alonzo teary eyed as she sees and hear her husband's glorious contributions to
the country and the United States Navy ends. A thank you, a bouquet of flowers and a
Certificate of Appreciation were also presented to Mrs. Alonzo for her steadfastness and
support she gave her husband while he was away serving his country.
Chief Alonzo served in several commands and warships, including: USS HALEAKALA (AE-25),
USS TUSCALOOSA (LST-1187), ATTACK SQUADRON 176 onboard USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) (where he
earned his "wings") and several PERSONNEL SUPPORT DETACHMENTS (Corpus Christi,
New York, Lakehurst, Bayonne, and Earle). He had circumnavigated around the
world. Visited countries and places like, France, Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Korea,
Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Spain, Israel, Okinawa, Japan, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and
Hawaii. He had participated and were in direct support of numerous operations
including but not limited to: OPERATION FREQUENT WIND, OPERATION UPHOLD DEMOCRACY,
OPERATION PROVIDE COMFORT, OPERATION DESERT SHIELD and OPERATION DESERT STORM.
(Continued on
page 16)
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