45th Space Wing honors community leaders at CivMil banquet

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Alicia Premo
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 45th Space Wing leadership hosted local community leaders at the annual Civilian-Military Community Relations Council Commander's Banquet Jan. 21 at the Tides.

This year's event recognized William "Bill" Taylor, CEO of Community Bank of the South, as CivMil Member of the Year and also introduced a new award presented by the Civilian Military Community Foundation.

Taylor was selected as CivMil Member of the Year for conceiving and implementing a community-wide effort to recognize Medal of Honor recipient retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Morris, according to Larry McIntyre, CivMil Chairman of the Board. This was Taylor's second time being chosen as member of the year. He was also selected in 2001, making him one of three CivMil members to be recognized as for the award twice.

"I am very honored and humbled to receive the recognition of Civilian Military Member of the Year," said Taylor. "My father spent 31 years in the Air Force and being a member of CivMil is a way for me to give back to the military. I am very thankful for the military men and women who make sacrifices every day to keep us free."

The recipient of CivMil's newest award, called the Melvin Morris Award, was also announced during the event. The award was presented to the Outlaw family for support of the CivMil Foundation and for providing a lasting legacy on behalf of their father, Beville Outlaw, who displayed a giving and unselfish devotion to his community during his lifetime, according to the foundation. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in support of the CivMil Foundation.

Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander, concluded the evening by expressing his gratitude to the CivMil members and their support of the 45th SW and its mission partners.

"This past year has reminded us how difficult spaceflight is, but it's also shown our aptitude for innovation and success," he said. "But we could not be successful without your support. Each of you contributes so much to our military members and the community. Thank you for allowing us to serve you."

 

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