Released by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake Public Affairs Office --
By Susan Read

Col. Mark H. Bamberger, Commanding Officer of the Marine Aviation Detachment, China Lake, Calif. presented two awards for outstanding performance on March 3, 2006. The Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal was pinned on Corporal Reul Ricalde to recognize good behavior and faithful service. “America expects more from Marines,” Bamberger said. “We are the first to fight and the most ready when the nation’s least ready. You are not only a good Marine, but your conduct is a good example to all those around you.” Bamberger praised Ricalde as a Marine trained to go anywhere in the world, prepared to take care of his fellow Marines who are America’s sons and daughters and providing an excellent personal standard on and off duty. “Your conduct is always a model. Congratulations, Corporal Ricalde.”

The second award was presented to Lance Corporal Lindsay von Reuss, Lance Corporal Joe Stewart, Corporal Moroni Rew and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Garry Clayton. Certificates of commendation were awarded by the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team (MCAAT) for an inspection conducted at the detachment in December 2005. According to the MCAAT branch web description, its primary mission is to provide commanders a detailed evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and financial operations; reliability of financial reporting; that resources are expended in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and to identify and assist in resolving problem areas.

“Leadership, mission accomplishment and taking care of each other is central to all that we do in the Marine Corps,” Bamberger told the team. “Records pertaining to special duty assignments, promotions, pay and benefits for Marines and their families must be accurate.” The MCAAT target requirement for administrative readiness is 90 percent, with a goal of achieving at least 96 percent, which is considered high. The Marine Aviation Detachment earned a rating of 96.89 percent to receive the certificate of superior performance, and had a 98 percent timeliness rate for their response to tasks and administrative assistance.

“That’s what I’m most proud of,” Bamberger concluded. “Your hard work and dedication to Marines and their families exceeded the goal for the Marine Corps and, as a team, you made it happen. You do everything the Marine Corps asks of you. Thank you and congratulations.”

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Colonel Mark H. Bamberger (right), commanding officer of the Marine Aviation Detachment, China Lake, Calif. congratulates Corporal Reul Ricalde for earning the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal.

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(Left to right) CWO2 Garry Clayton, Corporal Reul Ricalde, Lance Corporal Joe Stewart, Corporal Moroni Rew receive certificates of commendation from Colonel Mark Bamberger.