thedrifter
02-10-07, 08:41 AM
Lifetime of service honored
February 10,2007
KELLEY CHAMBERS
Daily News Staff
After more than 29 years in the Marine Corps, the late C.A. "Mack" McKinney always liked to say that he retired because he didn't want to make it a career.
But the late sergeant major smiled down upon those who have on Friday.
Marion Rooney and retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Amos were given the 15th annual C.A. "Mack" McKinney Award, an accolade named after the warrior and military advocate.
Held at Sywanyk's Scarlet and Gold in Jacksonville, the Down East Chapter of the North Carolina Non-commissioned Officers Association presented the awards to Rooney and Amos for their "professionalism, dedication and service to country."
"Lt. Amos and his wife are people who look out after Marines and sailors first before themselves, always," said Joe Houle, a retired sergeant major, NCOA member and 1999 McKinney Award recipient. "He takes care of his Marines."
Amos served as commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force from July 2004 to August 2006 and later became commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.
A former Jacksonville resident, Amos expressed both gratitude as well as homesickness upon receiving the award.
"Anyone who feels bad about living in Jacksonville should have their head examined," Amos said. "We've got almost half of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force forward now, a lot of Marines and sailors have just flown out of this wonderful area. God bless all of them and Semper Fidelis."
A pillar for the local military community, Rooney serves on the NCOA's international board of directors. She works closely with her husband, Michael Rooney, the NCOA chairman and a retired sergeant major.
She is also active in many charitable organizations in Jacksonville such as the USO and is chapter chairwoman of the NCOA's Crystal Coast Auxiliary, which she spearheaded 10 years ago.
"We didn't really do too much debating over Marion being our first lady recipient," Houle said. "She is a leader (and) has the heart and soul of any Marine who wears the uniform. She's always kicking the stones and making things happen."
Hard work and 33 years as a Marine wife still could not prepare her for the humbling effect the honor had on her when her husband handed her the award.
"It all just snowballed," Rooney said of her efforts over the years. "I hope I continue to do good work."
Ellie
February 10,2007
KELLEY CHAMBERS
Daily News Staff
After more than 29 years in the Marine Corps, the late C.A. "Mack" McKinney always liked to say that he retired because he didn't want to make it a career.
But the late sergeant major smiled down upon those who have on Friday.
Marion Rooney and retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James F. Amos were given the 15th annual C.A. "Mack" McKinney Award, an accolade named after the warrior and military advocate.
Held at Sywanyk's Scarlet and Gold in Jacksonville, the Down East Chapter of the North Carolina Non-commissioned Officers Association presented the awards to Rooney and Amos for their "professionalism, dedication and service to country."
"Lt. Amos and his wife are people who look out after Marines and sailors first before themselves, always," said Joe Houle, a retired sergeant major, NCOA member and 1999 McKinney Award recipient. "He takes care of his Marines."
Amos served as commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force from July 2004 to August 2006 and later became commanding general of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.
A former Jacksonville resident, Amos expressed both gratitude as well as homesickness upon receiving the award.
"Anyone who feels bad about living in Jacksonville should have their head examined," Amos said. "We've got almost half of the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force forward now, a lot of Marines and sailors have just flown out of this wonderful area. God bless all of them and Semper Fidelis."
A pillar for the local military community, Rooney serves on the NCOA's international board of directors. She works closely with her husband, Michael Rooney, the NCOA chairman and a retired sergeant major.
She is also active in many charitable organizations in Jacksonville such as the USO and is chapter chairwoman of the NCOA's Crystal Coast Auxiliary, which she spearheaded 10 years ago.
"We didn't really do too much debating over Marion being our first lady recipient," Houle said. "She is a leader (and) has the heart and soul of any Marine who wears the uniform. She's always kicking the stones and making things happen."
Hard work and 33 years as a Marine wife still could not prepare her for the humbling effect the honor had on her when her husband handed her the award.
"It all just snowballed," Rooney said of her efforts over the years. "I hope I continue to do good work."
Ellie