Harris earns Commander's Commendation Award

Capt. Robert Harris was presented with a Commander's Commendation Award on Saturday, March 5, 2011 during the Inland Empire Group 3 Commander's Call held at the Voyager Composite Squadron 120 in Victorville, Calif.

Harris, of March Field Composite Squadron 45, was recognized for his work in the Wreaths Across America program from 2006 to 2009.

The commendation text reads as follows:

The Civil Air Patrol's Wreaths Across America program began in 2006 as an
offshoot of the Arlington National Cemetery wreath project, which was started in
1992 with the annual placement of wreaths donated by Worcester Wreath Co.
The program has mushroomed in a short time. With its patriotic theme and its
increasing visibility, Wreaths Across America is an ideal program for promotion of
CAP and the patriotic values CAP holds dear.

March Field Composite Squadron 45 has been involved in this project with CAP
from the beginning with the Riverside National Cemetery (RNC). ln 2006, the
late Ch, Lt Col Jack Nahrstadt took it upon himself to coordinate the project.
Upon the passing of Ch Nahrstadt, Ch, Lt Col Mike McKinney and his wife, 1st Lt
Adelle McKinney of Squadron 64 stepped in and took the lead for the 2007
Wreaths Across America program at the RNC. They asked and received the
assistance of 1st Lt Robert Harris. Since then 1st Lt Harris has taken an
increased role in this project. This year, 2009, he served as the coordinator.

Since 2006 the interest and participation in the Wreaths Across America program
at the RNC has increased. This year, with the work of 1st Lt Robert Harris, the
program not only featured the laying of wreaths by various branches of the
military service but representation from US Senator Barbara Boxer and US
Congressman Ken Calvert's offices. State Assemblyman Chuck Devore was the
keynote speaker.

1st Lt Harris and Congressman Calvert's office arranged for military honors to be
presented to the father of PFC Marcus Allan Tynes (USA) who was killed by an
IED in Afghanistan on November 22,2A09.

Cadet and Senior Members from Squadrons 45, 64,21, 59 and Riverside
Polytechnic High School JROTC placed 200 plus wreaths at the graves of our
nation's fallen heroes.

It is without any hesitation that I recommend a Commander's Commendation for
1't Lt Robert Harris. – CH (LT. COL.) PAUL WARD, CAWG HC

Congratulations Capt. Harris!