Gunner's Blog

"I am honored and touched by this award tonight… I have the great pleasure to represent so many men and women who have served or who are currently serving our nation in uniform, and I feel privileged to be able to represent a district with such a rich military foundation."

Washington, D.C.- During a Congressional Reception last night, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones received the prestigious Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award from the Marine Corps Reserve Association Foundation. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Michael Hagee, presented the award to Congressman Jones in honor of his dedication to America’s servicemen and women and their families.

"Congressman Jones has proven he is a friend to the Marines and their families," Commandant Hagee said. "I am happy to present him with this award as a thank you for his concern and activism on behalf of not only the Marines, but of all branches of the military."

The Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award was created eight years ago in honor of Major Tejeda, who at the time of his death in 1997 was a Major in the Marine Corps Reserves and was also a Member of Congress representing Texas. Representative Tejeda was a Vietnam veteran who earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart Medals. The Marine Corps Reserve Association created this award in his honor to recognize leaders who showed the same commitment to the Marines that Congressman Tejeda demonstrated during his life. Past recipients have included Senators Craig Thomas, Zell Miller and Pat Roberts, and Representatives Lane Evans and Curt Weldon.

"I am honored and touched by this award tonight, and I am humbled by the presence of the Commandant, the many Marines, and my fellow Members of Congress who are here with me tonight," Jones said. "I have the great pleasure to represent so many men and women who have served or who are currently serving our nation in uniform, and I feel privileged to be able to represent a district with such a rich military foundation. I only knew Major Tejeda for a couple of years in Congress before he passed, but he was a great man and a great Marine. I feel unworthy of an award named after such a patriot, but I thank you for such a great honor. God Bless America, and particularly our men and women in the Armed Forces."

In addition to Gen. Hagee, other prominent leaders within the Marine Corps were in attendance, including Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. William "Spider" Nyland, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources LtGen Robert Magnus, as well as the 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Carl E. Mundy and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, John L. Estrada.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.