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WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 20, 2008) - To recognize his continuous
support and recognition of sailors, Marines and their families
throughout his 17 years on television, the Navy presented its
Superior Public Service Award to Montel Williams yesterday in New
York during the taping of his long-running program's final
show.
Navy Capt. Kenneth J. Braithwaite II, a rear admiral selectee
and director of Joint Public Affairs Support Element Reserve,
presented the award to Williams on behalf of Chief of Naval
Operations Adm. Gary Roughead. The Superior Public Service Award is
the second-highest award presented to civilians by the Department
of the Navy.
"Thank you, thank you," said Williams after he was surprised
with the award presentation once the show began rolling. "I've
tried in the industry to recognize (military servicemembers) and
really bring to the forefront what is being sacrificed. I want to
thank you, all of you, for what you do." Williams continued to wear
the award throughout the finale show.
A video message from Roughhead, thanking Williams for his
dedication and support to all sailors and Marines, will air in a
special segment during the final week of "The Montel Williams Show"
before it goes off the air in May.
"It was an honor to be able to award a true patriot like Mr.
Williams," Braithwaite said. "This award signifies his genuine
gratitude for military service. He has a definite understanding and
appreciation of what sailors and Marines sacrifice, something he
knows well from his own military experience."
Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974, and in 1975 he
was selected as the first black Marine to attend the Navy Prep
School. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980 and was
commissioned as an intelligence officer, specializing in
cryptology.
During annual holiday shows in his television program's long
run, Williams has reunited deployed sailors with their families. In
2006, he and a production crew flew to the Navy Central Command/5th
Fleet area of responsibility to tour Iraqi oil platforms and meet
with deployed sailors aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
His program frequently has featured guests from nonprofit
organizations that support servicemembers to highlight their
efforts. Throughout his 17 years on televisions, Williams
continuously shared with audience members and viewers the
importance of supporting the military and recognized sailors'
personal sacrifices in service to their country.
Williams' mother and relatives were in the audience for the
series finale. To his staff, some of whom had been with the show
since the first day, Williams declared that it would be a fun show
celebrating their 17 years on television.
"It is very bittersweet today. Everybody has worked so hard,"
said Kwame White, production assistant. "He is a great man. Every
day, while at work, I meet someone amazing here who has overcome
something, and it has given me such an appreciation for what I
have."
Navy Band Northeast, stationed in Newport, R.I., opened the show
by playing the program's theme song.
"It was pretty intense and it was fun. There was a lot of energy
in that studio," Petty Officer 3rd Class Marc Heskett, who was
featured on the saxophone, said. "Our performances are not normally
televised."
Lt. Carl Gerhard, Navy Band Northeast director, said he was
happy to be part of the event. "It feels great to be a part of this
day," he said. "This is a very special day for Mr. Williams, and it
is nice to be here to play not only to celebrate his long run on
television, but to play a tribute to his service as well."
The final episode of "The Montel Williams Show," featuring the
Superior Public Service Award presentation, is scheduled to air May
16.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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