Great Lakes MWR Receives NRPA Gold Medal Award

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department Naval Station Great Lakes won a Gold Medal Award from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) at its annual Congress and Exposition in Anaheim, Calif. on Oct. 16.

MWR took first place in the new category, Armed Forces Recreation communities, which was added to the event this year.

The category recognizes the contributions of military recreation providers and the work they do among service members, their families, retirees, reservists, civilian employees, and local communities.

"This is a special award presented in front of thousands of recreation and park professionals," noted John Prue, installation program director, MWR. "Especially being handed the award on stage by Retired General Tommy Franks who certainly knows the impact of quality MWR programs and services. The award represents a great team effort. I'm very excited about this recognition."

The goal of the NRPA is to advance parks, recreation, and conservation efforts that enhance the equality of life for all people. It provides information and services to communities in the United States attempting to make them conscious of the environment around them, and has been active for more than 40 years.

Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois and the largest training station in the Navy, hosts the Navy's only Recruit Training Command. Each year approximately 38,000 men and women complete the requirements to become enlisted Navy Sailors at the Navy's only boot camp. Naval Station Great Lakes is also home to the Navy's technical training schools for surface warfare excellence at Training Support Center Great Lakes. Yearly, more than 13,000 students attend these initial and advanced training schools where they learn the basic skills of their Navy jobs.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Midwest/Naval Station Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/local/midwest/.