United States Transportation Command

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., (USTCNS) --- The Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois (LCSI) presented one of its two "2003 Salute to Southwestern Illinois" awards to U.S. Transportation Command in recognition of "…outstanding execution of operations in support of the U.S. Armed forces."

General John W. Handy, commander, USTRANSCOM, accepted the award presented Nov. 13 before more than 350 attending LCSI's 20th anniversary dinner in Collinsville, Ill.

"This honor is not mine," Gen. Handy said, "…it belongs to the 152,000 people of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and the countless civilians serving around the world in places like Afghanistan and Iraq." He added that USTRANSCOM and all of the 13,000 personnel at Scott AFB wish to be good neighbors and good friends, contributing to the community's civic, educational and social structure.

In presentation remarks, LCSI President Doug Sitton noted, "Basically, everything that moves by land, air or sea is controlled and monitored by USTRANSCOM. The command has a huge responsibility, which takes them to every corner of the world. He noted the command's new and expanded role as the Department of Defense Distribution Process Owner, "With cutting edge technology the command is turning into a massive Information Technology operation, capable of delivering personnel and equipment from factory to foxhole."

U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, Ill. (12th Dist.) received the other award, which cited his involvement in transportation improvements in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The LCSI is a private-public partnership organized to encourage business investment in Southwestern Illinois. Its membership includes leaders in government, industry, business, labor and education.