|
FORT LEE, VA. (Aug. 8, 2013) -- In recognition of his four decades of military service and many contributions to the Army officer corps, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Franklin D. Meeks was inducted into the Order of the Eagle Rising Society by the Military Officers Association of America during a July 31 ceremony at Army Logistics University here.
Meeks, who was assigned to CASCOM from 1998-2007, is the 16th recipient of the prestigious award that was established in 2004. The selection was made by the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College at Fort Rucker, Ala. This was the first such induction ceremony at Fort Lee.
According the event program, the Eagle Rising Society “recognizes exceptional individuals who have contributed significantly to the promotion of the Warrant Officer Community in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient’s seniors, subordinates and peers. The individuals must have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence and served the United States Army community with continuing distinction after retirement.”
Retired Navy Vice Admiral Norbert R. Ryan Jr., president and CEO of MOAA, and Col. Stanley O. Smith, commandant of the USAWOCC, inducted Meeks into the society before approximately 100 military members – many of whom were warrant officers from the Senior Warrant Officer Council for the National Guard attending a weeklong event at the post. Meeks received an Eagle Rising Society medallion, a certificate, MOAA lifetime membership, and $500. His name also will be placed on a plaque that will be prominently displayed year-round at the WOCC.
“It takes more than an impressive career to be inducted,” said Smith. “If that was all, I would have 54 other CW5’s up here. It takes a lifetime of service in uniform and after you hang up your uniform.”
“Frank has continued to serve long after his retirement,” said Ryan. “This is always one of the real honors for me to come to the Eagle Rising Society ceremony, especially today recognizing Frank Meeks.” In noting the history of MOAA, Ryan said, “We were founded in 1929 by a Marine to speak up for the troops. We advocate for a strong defense. The one weapon system that has never let us down is people.”
After his induction, Meeks said, “First, I want to thank my wife who could not be here since she had back surgery last week.” He then thanked multible individuals from MOAA and the many warrant officers in attendance.
“I am humbled and honored, and appreciate all of you being here.” When asked later about changes at Fort Lee, he said, “There have been lots of impressive changes since I retired ... the Ordnance School, the Transportation School, Center for Excellence, the university and so much more.”
While at Fort Lee, he was recognized as one of the premiere experts in Supply and Maintenance Operations. He was assigned to CASCOM and assisted in the development of the Global Combat Support System – Army.
He served as deputy branch chief of the Tactical Enterprise System Support Branch, and served as deputy team chief for the Enterprise Resource Planning Team responsible for the blueprint development and implementation of the Army’s imminent global accounting system. He later was selected to fill a key position within the TLESS Branch, serving as subject matter expert for all logistics.
Also recognized at the ceremony were two previous recipients – Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Donald E. Hess, who now lives near Harrisburg, and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Robert D. Scott, a resident of Ashburn.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Amy Jones, president of the Crater Chapter, Warrant Officer Association, narrated the ceremony, introduced all speakers and outlined the many accomplishments during Meeks’ career.
The actual story can be found in the Fort Lee newspaper, the Traveller, at: http://www.fortleetraveller.com/.
Related Links
Fort Lee Traveler; Retired Lee CWO 5 enters MOAA society
|
|
