Armed Forces Retirement Home Presented with Flags of Valor Plaque

The Marine Corps Marathon Organization (MCMO) recognized the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington D.C. (AFRH-W) for their longstanding support of the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) and the local amateur radio operators (HAMs) by presenting a special plaque created by Flags of Valor at last week’s Town Hall Meeting.

The program kicked off with a welcome message from AFRH-W Chief of Resident Services Ron Kartz, followed by a brief address from Colonel William C. Bentley, III, Commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico, who thanked the residents for their years of service. “It is not lost on me the legacy and the great things you all have done. So, I do want to take the time to say thank you…thank you for your family members, caregivers and all the great folks you have here that provide the great service and care that you need. We are here today because of your service.”

Col. Bentley and MCMO Director, Rick Nealis, presented the plaque to Mr. Kartz on behalf of Susan E. Bryhan, Captain, U.S. Navy, (Ret) and administrator for the AFRH in Washington, D.C. Ms. Bryhan has been the Coordinator between the MCM HAMs & AFRH.

“The AFRH location is very advantageous for us due to its highly secured compound, as well as being located at a very high elevation that allows the HAM Net Control to communicate to all operators along the MCM’s course,” said MCMO Deputy Director of Operations, Cory Cole.

The HAMs plan and carry out quality radio operation for all MCMO events throughout the year, as well as provide data entry for the medical team. And for the last 15 years, the AFRH-W has allowed the MCMO’s HAM Operators to use their facilities to conduct their annual training and establish “Net Control” during MCM Weekend.