CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The Down East Chapter of the Non Commissioned Officers Association of America presented Sgt. Maj. Robert G. VanOostrom, the II Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major, its annual Sergeant Major C.A. “Mack” McKinney Awards Ceremony, Feb. 8, at Sywanyk’s Scarlet and Gold Traditions in Jacksonville, N.C.
“(VanOostrom) has been a big supporter of the young enlisted force and their families,” said Paul Siverson, a readjustment counseling technician at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Center. “He attends about every enlisted event in the community. He’s always supported NCOA. We can always count on support from him to help us out.”
Established in 1992, the award is presented to military members who demonstrated professionalism, dedication and service to our country and military over a sustained period of time. The award is named for retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major C. A. “Mack” McKinney, who served as the NCOA’s first legislative director. The NCOA was established in 1960 to enhance and maintain the quality of life for noncommissioned officers in all branches of the armed forces.