Posted on 05/04/2006 4:02:40 PM PDT by SandRat
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. (May 4, 2006) -- Lieutenant Colonels Jay A. Van Der Werff and Thomas R. McCarthy received Bronze Stars at an award ceremony April 24.
Both gentlemen were awarded for their efforts during a six-month Iraq deployment.
I feel I just did my job, said Van Der Werff, Marine Aircraft Group-26 executive officer. The Marines that worked for me, both officers and enlisted, did a great job while we were in Iraq. This is a reflection on the work that they did as well.
During the deployment, Van Der Werff served as an operations officer. He assumed the duties of executive officer March 31, when McCarthy relinquished the position.
It was a great experience working with Lt. Col McCarthy in Iraq. He is a great peer and a great friend, said Van Der Werff.
He has a lot of good days ahead of him, he added.
McCarthy will assume the position of site commander at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., June 28.
Being awarded a Bronze Star is an amazing accomplishment and it is a great reflection on the rest of the Marines, said McCarthy.
I am honored to receive it and to even be considered for it, he added.
MARINE PING
Nice looking family there, too!
BTTT
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