Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-15, with a rally entitled "Champions of Hospitality" at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, May 9.

"This was an awesome community relations event. Sailors from Naval Station Norfolk provided exceptional customer service and hospitality to the Hampton Roads community and it is great to see them get recognized for their hard work," said Capt. Richard McDaniel, commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk.

Hospitality associates throughout Hampton Roads were honored for their contribution to the city of Norfolk tour and travel industry. Ambassadors for the city, Peter G. Decker III., Phillip A. Decker and Paul A. Decker served as masters of ceremonies.

More 100 individuals had been nominated in more than 20 different categories. Three different Naval Station Norfolk organizations were recognized: Navy Gateway Inns and Suites, the Navy Lodge, and Naval Station Norfolk Tour and Information Center.

The sponsors of this year's rally were Norfolk Airport Authority, Pete Decker & Partners, MacArthur Center, and Southwest Airlines.

"First and foremost, the Navy is an impressive group of skilled and talented Sailors and civilian personnel that provides excellent services and is vitally needed by our country. It was an honor of mine to present them with those awards," said Peter G. Decker III.

The "Champions of Hospitality" Rally is open to the public and the Norfolk Tourism Research Foundation honors those who do so much for the city's travel and tourism industry.

The event also recognized and celebrated Naval Station Norfolk's Centennial year with several centennial-themed games, food and presentations.

Winners from the installation included:
*Ms. Sharon Reeder - Housekeeping Associate of the Year with Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
*Ms. Jessica Rivera - Front Desk Associate of the Year with Navy Gateway Inns and Suites
*Mr. Carl Edwards - Security Associate of the Year with the Navy Lodge
*Ms. April Epps-Cuffee - Custodial Associate of the Year with the Navy Lodge
*Naval Station Norfolk Tour and Information Center - Small Organization - Hospitality of the Year

For more information about the rally, or National Travel & Tourism Week, visit the Web site of Visit Norfolk at http://www.visitnorfolktoday.com.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit http://www.navy.mil/.