Rotary Clubs present military awards

OCEANSIDE — The Rotary Clubs of Fallbrook and Oceanside held their joint annual Military Awards program on February 22 at El Camino Country Club. Approximately 100 Rotarians were in attendance, in addition to guests and about 18 military personnel.

Fallbrook Rotary President David Kauffman and Oceanside Rotary President Bill Dern made presentations to each individual honored, which included a wall plaque from the two clubs, a Certificate of Commendation from Congressman Darrel Issa and a Certificate of Commendation from Supervisor Bill Horn on behalf of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

Introducing the two Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station honorees was Capt. Jon D. Kurtz, USN, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station, from Seal Beach, the parent command of the Fallbrook Naval Weapons station (Monty Goodard is the director of the Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station).

Honored as Sailor of the Year was Master at Arms 1st Class (SW) Rory Collins. This was Collins’ second win. Honored as Jr. Sailor of the Year was Master at Arms 2nd Class (SW/AW) Donnell O. Tate. Tate’s father, Bob, accompanied her to the ceremony.

Introducing the two Camp Pendleton honorees was Sgt. Maj. James Green, USMC, Camp Pendleton. Honored as NCO of the Year was Cpl. Kyle T. Lesar. Honored as Marine of the Year was Lance Cpl. Cesar A. Beattie, Jr.

For Assault Craft Unit Five, USN, Camp Pendleton, the two honorees were introduced by Capt. Geoffrey T. Pack, USN, Commanding Officer. Honored as Senior Sailor of the Year was (Shoreside) Electronics Technical 1st Class Shawn M. Hall, USN. Honored as Junior Sailor of the Year was (Seaside) Gas Systems Mechanical 2nd Class Rafael Ramirez, USN.