Jersey City, NJ, January 9, 1998. Chief Personnelman Antoine M. Alonzo received from the Secretary of the Navy, as recommended by the Commodore, Military Sealift Command, Atlantic today, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. The medal was awarded to Chief Alonzo for meritorious service as Military Personnel Chief while assigned to Military Sealift Command. Captain Andrew J. Allen, USN, the command's Deputy Commander and Chief Staff Officer presented the medal during Chief Alonzo's retirement luncheon, held at the OK GRILL in Jersey City. The citation, due to paperwork constraints, will be received sometime after February 1998. The Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, is awarded only to those who distinguished themselves from the rest with superior professional performance of duties and those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, while the Navy Commendation Medal, the one he received today, a more prestigious medal, is awarded for meritorious or heroic achievement or service.

The medal is the 13th medal that Chief Alonzo received during his career in the navy, but nevertheless, bestows the highest honor. Among the medals and meritorious and commendatory ribbons he received during his career are: 3 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, 4 Navy Good Conduct Medals, Joint Meritorious Unit Service Medal, 2 National Defense Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, 4 Sea Service Ribbons, 2 Battle Efficiency Ribbons and Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon. During his career, Chief Alonzo received numerous letters of commendation and appreciation from various Admirals and Commanding Officers, including one from General Shaskavili, a former Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. Most of the chief's awards are for his superlative management and leadership abilities, as well as for his exceptional computer expertise.

Chief Alonzo declined Military Sealift Command to hold a full Honor Military Retirement Ceremony for him at Naval Station, Norfok, Virginia. However, Master Chief Cheeks insisted that at least a Retirement Luncheon be given in his honor and drove all the way from Virginia. Among those who were present at the way from way from Virginia. Among those who were present at the ceremony were Captain Andrew J. Allen, Master Chief Cheeks, Chief Sigmon and his wife Alicia and Mrs. Olga Alonzo, Chief Alonzo's spouse.

A plaque and a "shadow box" complete with a United States flag, medals and ribbons were also given by Command Chief's Association and were presented by Master Chief Cheeks, while Capt Allen also presented a plaque of appreciation for outstanding service from the command. Several speeches were given by Capt Allen,

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