The Robinson Family of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, and the people of Ni’ihau were awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service Thursday. The Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service is the highest civilian award presented by
The Robinson Family of Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, and the people of Ni’ihau were awarded the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service Thursday.
The Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service is the highest civilian award presented by the Secretary of Defense.
The award was presented by Dr. Patricia Sanders, Missile Defense Agency, Deputy for Test and Assessment.
The award, given on behalf of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, noted the family’s “selfless service and untiring efforts…and proud legacy of steadfast support to the Department of Defense and the Nation.” Rumsfeld also noted that “their patriotism has been most eloquently expressed through deeds that will stand well into the future.”
The award, which recognized the support rendered by the Robinsons and the people of Ni’ihau over the last fifty years, also cited the family’s efforts in providing “site leasing and supportive training agreements” enabling the Pacific Missile Range “to evolve into one of the nation’s premiere testing and training ranges.”
In making the presentation, Sanders noted “that while the Robinsons were being honored today, the people of Ni’ihau were responsible for supporting the family’s endeavors and contributions to the nation.”
“Without their unwavering support,” she said, “PMRF would not be the test and training range it is today to support the testing of our ballistic missile defense systems.”
Joining Sanders in presenting the award were Lt. Gen. Thomas Case, Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Command, and Richard Ritter, Assistant Deputy for Force Structure Integration and Deployment/Deputy Program Director, and Stephen Lopes, Deputy Director for Test Resources Directorate.
Bruce Robinson commented that those family members who went before him as well as departed Niihauans all share in this recognition, and that the partnership between Ni’ihau and the Department of Defense has been a good thing throughout the generations.
“This partnership helps rather than hurts Ni’ihau as the premiere example of maintaining Hawaiian culture and preserving the lifestyle of the island’s residents.”
Keith Robinson expressed his concerns over the impacts of actions by state and federal agencies, which he said have caused lengthy delays at great cost to the taxpayer in the family’s ability to do lawful business with the Department of Defense. He also recognized departed family members and Niihauans who contributed their hard work to support Defense Department projects over the years.
