One of the wonderful occasions that CWSMMA associates participate in is the awarding of honors, medals and general awards. Reenactors, curators, living historians and writers are recognized within their fields. Committees are formed to review prospective awardees and consist of noted experts that review candidates. THE CWSMMA JOE TENNANT POWDER MONKEY AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: One such award is the Joe Tennant Powder Monkey Award of Excellence which carries a $100.00 honorarium, a scholarship for four years to the CWSMMA Academy, framed certificate, award in folio and patriotic polo shirt with the award seal on it. Joe Tennant represented the CWSMMA at many events, for several years, as a powder monkey. He went to sea on the CSS Virginia replica fighting ship and did battle against the USS Monitor for the dedication ceremony of the Monitor and Virginia Museum. During this period of events the United States Postal service also issued it's historic set of Civil War stamps. The same day that the museum in Virginia was dedicated - the stamps were rolled out with Admirals and Navy dignitaries present. Joe served his cannon station well on this day as well as other days. Joe will always be remembered for asking to be included in his lifelong dream. A dream that the CWSMMA made come true in, "Make a Wish Foundation-like," style. Joe later continued to work with the CWSMMA at other historic events and served on our full sized ships on the waters of New Jersey. Joe played in a rock band called, "Over It," played football, was a member of the MVHS Key Club and at Christmas - he would take photos of little kids with Santa Claus. He passed away after playing basketball at his local school one year and lives in our memories for his smile, fun-loving personality and vigor for living history presentations. Make a donation to the Joe Tennant Scholarship fund now and make a difference in the world...    
THE CWSMMA MARINE AND SAILOR OF THE YEAR: These awards are given to any individual who is an active force in furthering our goals and presentations. Subject to intense scrutiny and review, only one of each award is allowed per annum. Any living historian, Naval Commander or Marine Colonel or above, may elect to submit a prospective candidate. These awards come with a framed certificate, award in folio and patriotic polo shirt with the award seal on it as well as the presentation of a replica, gift, Civil War Navy and Marine medal boxed set. The appropriate medal is served for each award. These medals were previously, officially awarded by the US Navy after the Civil War (much like the Global War on Terrorism medal is now or the Southwest Asia Service medal was). It is important to note that the CWSMMA presents these gift boxed sets as GIFTS only and has no legal authority or claim to be awarding tem on behalf of the United States government. The medals themselves are minted and sold throughout the world by a number of vendors, sales people and stores.   
Left is the face of both medals showing the famed battle between the CSS Virginia and USS Monitor. Centered is the USMC version back - while right is the USN version back. The Navy Civil War Medal was designed by Rudolf Freund (1878-1960) of Bailey, Banks & Biddle. The Navy Civil War medal #1 was issued to Admiral George Dewey, and Marine Corps Civil War Medal #1 was issued to Quartermaster Sergeant Artimus F. George.
Featured winners spotlight: Sergeant Andrew M. King, is only one of many award winners throughout the years. Pictured here (on the left) he is seen acting on the set of, "TAD," as filmed by the ABC Family channel at City Point, Virginia. Sgt. King is a good example of what the CWSMMA is able to accomplish in being paid and fed on the sets of major productions like TAD, Amistad, Williamstowne and Gettysburg, as well as other films. Whether helping assemble small boats or organizing the sail of a massive steamship on the James river - Sgt. King has always been around to lend a helping hand. He has served on both the CSS Virginia on the Ohio river and Chesapeake bay as well as the USS Monitor. At one point, he drove the Monitor home on a huge trailer (from Ohio to Virginia) for days...turned around and went back to Ohio and then returned to Maryland. His level of expertise and dedication can never be forgotten SOY - PO Bret Werner - also received two Presidents Gold Commissions and advanced to the rank of Ensign. No MOY award yet created. CWSMMA financial donation made to the Wildwood Crest Historical Museum. SOY - Powder monkey boy Joe Tennant. First MOY in history, Bruce Cates. SOY - Chief Gerald Leone. MOY Sgt. William Gibbs - dedicated to the Marine. Monument at Drewry's Bluff - CWSMMA financial donation made towards construction. SOY Lt. Mike Kochan. MOY Sgt. Major Bob Wagner. CWSMMA financial donation made to African American celebration at CSG 7, Yokosuka, Japan. SOY PO Rick Harlow of Japan - also was awarded unique recognition from the Government of Japan at a special ceremony. SOY Interpreter to Commodore Perry, Yasuyuki Okomoto MOY Sgt. Andrew M. King for his ten years of steadfast work, enthusiasm, creativity and dedication to the CWSMMA.
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THE CWSMMA WEBSITE OF THE YEAR AWARD: This award recognizes journalistic excellence, writing, research and graphics as presented in digital means and web design, commonly known as the world wide web.   
The committee formed always consists of at least two Masters degree holding experts in the business field and at least two, active web designers and one Webmaster. The primary focus is centered on design, offerings, sound, animation and graphics - followed by information, research, papers and writings. As the web changes so does the criteria for each committee, which is always released after the announcement of award. The criteria is solely established by the members themselves, annually. It is reviewed by the Chairman and all decisions are final. Some previous criteria used has consisted of: The graphical beauty of the site and readability. Continuous link to the CWSMMA homepage maintained with no bias towards one side or the other. In depth content that impacts the civil war historical and reenacting community. Links to brother and sister sites as well as museums maintained throughout the year. A broad range of Naval and Marine topics and links are presented.
The winners have been: 1996 - The Cape May County Herald website and newspaper for coverage and photography. 1997 - Mr. Mark F. Jenkins and his extensive Ironclads website. 1998 - Commdr. Rob Thomas and the Western Gunboat Flotilla website of steam ship creativity and blazing new paths in steam powered boats. 1999 - The Wildwood Leader website and newspaper for coverage and writing and the Naval Historical Center in Washington, DC after extensive interactive work . Only year ever to see two awards given. 2000 - The Washington Navy Yard Marine Detachment 2001 - The National Diet Library of Japan website after detailed research on Confederate ships was rendered for two years+ research while living in Japan. Special translations, charts and hidden photographs on the CSS Stonewall provided by Mr. Yasuyuki Okomoto. 2002 - Ambassade des Etats-Unis d'Amerique a Paris website - for two years+ of research and work while living in Europe, re: CSS Alabama and John Paul Jones residence, life and death. 2003 - The Schooner Yankee, Captain Dave and Peggy Franchetta for excellence in web design, photography and continuous, digital musical score. (2007 update - Yankee was donated to the Boy Scouts of America Sea Base program). If you sailed on her and fought on her you can see updates as to her newest challenges at http://www.roverschooners.com/ - regrettably, her original award winning site was taken down. 2004 - The United States Civil War Center (USCWC) in Louisiana for excellence in cataloging of links and connectivity to world known groups. 2005 - The USS Monitor Center for dynamic presentation of life aboard, preservation and the story of the ironclad. 2006 - The Alligator website for excellence in research and showcasing of the Alligator, the US Navy's first submarine. This years Committee consisted of Ms. Stormy Neal - Voting Rights - Navy Veteran - Secretary of the Committee, Mr. Christopher Mathis - Voting Rights - Marine Veteran, Mr. Rob Thomas - Voting Rights - Licensed Pilot of Shipping in the USA, Mr. Martin CJ Mongiello - No Voting Rights - Navy Veteran - Facilitator of Discussion, Mr. Lee Dunham - Voting Rights - Coast Guard (Revenue Cutter Service) Veteran, Mr. Jim Phelps - Voting Rights - Navy Veteran, Dr. Edward Furgol - Voting Rights - Naval Historical Center - Washington Navy Yard and Museum, Mr. Ed Colimore - Voting Rights - The Philadelphia Inquirer - Author of The Philadelphia Inquirer's Walking Tours of Historic Philadelphia and Eyewitness Reports: The Philadelphia Inquirer's Live Coverage of the America Civil War.
The Captain D' and Helena D'Alessio Literary Award: Awarded on an infrequent basis this award is named in honor of the two supporters whom helped us for so many years with docks, boats, ships, engines, food, drinks, care, love, support with guidance and advice. Captain Anthony (known as "D") is himself an old college football player and Helena was a Cheerleader. Captain D' also was a PT boat sailor in the Pacific. As avid readers, this award is aptly named after them and in their honor. Awardees to date have been: Al Thelin for his work on, "Returning to the Civil War: Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time, as published by Gibb-Smith Publishing. David Sullivan for his work on, The USMC in the Civil War, a five book series as published by White Mane Publishing. Michael P. Kochan for his work on, "Torpedoes - Another look at the infernal machines of the Civil War." Also published with John C. Wideman. Award announced onboard the Moshulu tall ship during special luncheon held, September 27, 2004, Philadelphia Harbor, PA. Celebrated during a special dinner at Cold Spring Village, Cape May, New Jersey, summer, 2005.
This was very interesting to see what you have given. I'd like to read more.
LET ME SEE WHAT AWARDS THE CWSMMA HAS RECEIVED. |
USS Monitor center opens with full scale replica built.
CWSMMA donates and buys $200.00 paver brick for CSS Virginia
Shipyard...
