CNO Presents 'Call to Service' Award to Retired CMC

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to a retired U.S. Navy command master chief during an awards ceremony at Sharkey Theatre on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Jan. 7.

James Taylor, volunteer Pearl Harbor survivor liaison for Navy Region Hawaii, was awarded with the Call to Service pin by Adm. Gary Roughead.

Taylor has been personally responsible for planning, overseeing and conducting approximately 250 burial honors for Pearl Harbor survivors, and has donated more than 3,000 hours of his time during the last two years to the Navy.

"For 54 years, you have served our nation in uniform, in civil service, and now as a volunteer for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii," said Roughead. "It is individuals like you who make our Navy and nation a better place, and I know your work is especially appreciated by all who have received your support. Your actions bring great credit to our Navy, and I send you my personal thanks for extending yourself to veterans and their families."

Taylor stated that he was both surprised and honored when he got called on stage to receive the award.

"I was shocked when I first found out that I was receiving an award from the president of the United States," Taylor said. "It is an honor to be nominated for this, and it is an honor to have it presented by the CNO."

Taylor also said he could not have earned the award by himself.

"There are a lot of people in my life that helped me get to where I'm at, and I feel they are the true reason why I'm standing where I'm at today," Taylor stated.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award Call to Service pin is reserved for those who have committed themselves to more than 4,000 volunteer hours during their lifetime.

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making throughout the community.