Former Commander Awarded Key to City

Former Commander Awarded Key to City
By Staff Sgt. Michael D. Reed / Blount Island Command

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 15, 2005 – Mayor John Peyton presented the Key to the City Award to Col. Carl D. Matter, former commanding officer of Blount Island Command in a very private ceremony held in the mayor’s downtown Jacksonville office.

Colonel Matter relinquished command of Blount Island Command in a change of command ceremony here July 1, where he had served as commanding officer since June 2003.

Mayor Peyton began the ceremony by stating, “I have not presented many Keys to the city of Jacksonville and that this was a very special occasion.”

Mayor Peyton then thanked the 26-year veteran for his service, and praised Matter for going above and beyond in supporting the city and especially the servicemen and women who reside in the Jacksonville area.

The mayor also highlighted the superb support the city receives from Blount Island Command’s Marines and Sailors, saying, “that the small command has made its presence known and highly respected.”

The Key is mounted on a plaque that reads, “The city of Jacksonville salutes Colonel Carl D. Matter, your leadership has left a positive and lasting mark on our city.”

“I am very honored and humbled by this award,” remarked Matter. “The city of Jacksonville is a great supporter of the Marine Corps and Blount Island Command couldn’t ask for a better home than the city of Jacksonville.”

The mayor concluded the ceremony by thanking the Louisville, Ky., native for his selfless service, and wished Matter all the best in his next assignment.

“Jacksonville has a special place for you and we look forward to a day when you return as a permanent resident,” said Peyton.

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Jacksonville, Fla., Mayor John Peyton presented the Key to the City award to Col. Carl D. Matter, former commanding officer of Blount Island Command in a very private ceremony held in the mayor's downtown Jacksonville office. Photo by Wesley Lester

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