Awards presented and media coverage of the CWSMMA and it's members:

• 1995 - CWSMMA awarded with contracts for representing America's Civil War Navy and Marines after a comprehensive review of nationwide units in the movie, "TAD."  The ABC Family Channel selects Kris Kristofferson - as Abraham Lincoln, Jane Curtin - as Mary Todd Lincoln, Jean Louisa Kelly - as Julia Taft, Ed Gale - as General Tom Thumb, Kieran Mulroney - as Robert Lincoln (and also seen in Gettysburg by Turner Pictures), Bug Hall as little Tad Lincoln (The Little Rascals) and Muse Watson (seen recently in Austin Powers).  Filmed aboard a full-sized paddle wheel steamer on the James River and at City Point, (Richmond) Virginia (which at times closed all mega-container traffic to the entire James River).  Written by Ernest Kinoy (he also wrote ROOTS).  Rob Thompson was a very, very intelligent, creative and masterful fellow - he directed the film.  You may remember him from other shows and movies such as the TV show, "Monk."  He also directed a number of other episodes and shows like Fame, Northern Exposure, the Wonder Years, Fantasy Island, L.A. Law, Greatest American Hero, Hill Street Blues, Dynasty and Magnum P.I.  Additional coverage was also run in TV Guide and People magazine.  The CWSMMA acted as complete consultant to the Director on all aspects of Civil War small boats in the water, weapons, uniforms and actions and can still be seen in this movie run occasionally on TV.  Full sets, meals and payment were provided.
• 1996 - Terror of the CSS Alabama event - silver, antique Civil War watch awarded to President from Anthony and Helena D'Alessio of Lakeview Docks, Wildwood Crest, NJ, USA.
• 1997 - CWSMMA awarded with representing the American Civil War Sailors and Marines in publishing and photographing of: "Returning to the Civil War: Grand Reenactments of an Anguished Time."  A distinct honor to be chosen out of all the reenactment groups reviewed, nationwide by Gibb Smith Publishers, Kent Courtney and Al Thelin - master photographer.  Mr. Ron King, Jackie King and Andrew King awarded with historic book signings and certificates due to superlative hosting and management of this program.

       Al Thelin has been in the archival industry since 1972. A photographer by trade, an artist by choice, he helped preserve the photographic collections at the University of Utah Archives.  In 1980, he introduced archival, acid-free products into the Utah market.  He has participated and lectured in numerous preservation conventions and seminars over the past 20 years.  He also is a very well known Wild West photographer.

       Al has authored three books dealing with history and numerous articles dealing with scrap-booking.  He is currently working on two new books.  At this time Al is a consultant with Jeanne English in the field of archival preservation.

• 2000 - Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA recommended for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal by Doctor Edward Furgol, Curator of the Navy Museum, Washington Navy Yard.  The award was originally submitted for his years of work with the CWSMMA, the Navy Memorial, Mystic Library, Government of Japan, people of Yokosuka, Japan and many parades and ships at sea events.  Admiral Joseph J. Krol later added additional award statements for work with the Shunko-Gakuen Orphanage and the medal was presented (left).

  The Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (at left) was established by Executive  Order 12830, dated 9 January 1993. A proposed design, prepared by The Institute of Heraldry, was submitted to the Office of the Secretary of Defense on 12 April 1993. The design was approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Manpower and Personnel Policy on 15 Jun 1993.  The interlaced annulets emphasize the interaction of the military services with the civilian community and symbolize continuity and cooperation. The star commemorates outstanding service; the wreath of laurel denotes honor and achievement. Oak is symbolic of strength and potential. Medium blue is the color traditionally associated with the Department of Defense. Gold is for excellence and green alludes to the nurturing of life and growth.  A Navy Commendation Medal (second award) was also given for all encompassing, volunteer and professional work (pictured right).

  
  
  

  US NAVY TWO-STAR ADMIRAL gives awards
  Admiral Joseph J. Krol, Jr.

   

• 2000 - 2002 - Several CWSMMA members receive Official US Navy Letters of Commendation from Admiral Joseph J. Krol, Jr. (a two-star Admiral) for their efforts and work in Japan at the Kanrin Maru ships festival, Negishi Navy Birthday Balls, African-American Celebrations at FISC and shows performed at Negishi and the Admiral Arleigh Burke Officer's Club and Commodore Perry Festivals (complete with Chief of Staff, Captain Buchannan of later CSN Admiral's fame).  These included PO Rick Harlow, CPO Billy Felder, PO Kerry Tiller, Lt. Thurmon, PO Dan Martin, PO Spence/Meeks/King/Boulon, PO Dave Clare, SN Montalbo and Commodore Donnie Camp (ETCS/SS, USN, Ret.) as well as many, many others.

• 2000 - All Japan Cooks Association President and Continental Director for the World Association of Cooks Societies, Shiro Deguchi, awards Martin CJ Mongiello, MBA - a lifetime Gold Medal and lifetime membership for work in the area of Japan-America relations, cookery, hunger efforts in Japan for the poor and work (TV Show) on NHK TV of Tokyo, Japan showing the history of canned food from the Civil War and how it evolved into today's modern battle fleet.

• 2003 - The CWSMMA is awarded with a special filming of old time cuisine on Brussel's TV (shown in French, Flemish and limited English - Brussels, Belgium) and Vitaya Italian TV (of Italy and European syndication).  The show with Marc Boutsen explains many historical facts including the use of chicory (from Belgian endive) by Napoleon's troops to "stretch" their coffee while invading Belgium.  An exhaustive search by the producers evidenced the CWSMMA as the, "most qualified candidate to present America to European viewers regarding these historical facts of the era.  Notably, the CWSMMA and Chef Mongiello as an Estate Manager and member of NATO have already given such programs to senior leaders wives in Asia, America and Europe."

• In 2005 the State of New Jersey awarded Founding Father, Martin CJ Mongiello, with the Distinguished Service Medal for his overall contributions to the United States Navy including war zone duty on a number of different years.  Present for photography of this historic event were hundreds of veterans spanning numerous wars, Andrew Martin King, Michael C and Marion E. Mongiello.  The award ceremony was presented at the Egg Harbor Base, NJ on April 28th.

• In 2006 the Madison County Library of the State of Tennessee invited the CWSMMA, Ms. Stormy Neal and President Martin CJ Mongiello to cook a historic Andrew Jackson and George Washington meal on Presidents Day while giving a presentation inclusive of Civil War cookery up to serving the first family and President of the United States.  A full length feature story was run in the Jackson Sun newspaper.   

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