July 12, 2006

Sebelius announces Kansas’ participation in effort to honor Marines
Governor appoints Kansan to work with National Museum of the Marine Corps

Kansas will assist with a national effort to honor members of the United States Marine Corps, with Governor Kathleen Sebelius today announcing the appointment of Gonzalo Reyes as the state’s liaison to the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Reyes will work with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in its efforts to locate all Kansans who ever served in the Marines.

“The Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation have partnered to create an innovative, remarkable tribute to our nation’s Marines,” said Sebelius. “This museum is an outstanding way to honor all Marines and show the appreciation we have for their service.”

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is being constructed on 135 acres of land in Quantico, Virginia. The museum will serve as the centerpiece of the Marine Corps Heritage Center, and will include more than 60,000 artifacts.

The museum’s dedication is set for November 10, 2006, with a public opening to follow on November 13. For more information, visit www.usmcmuseum.org.

Reyes, Kansas City, joined the Marine Corps on March 15, 1969. Throughout his service, Reyes completed a tour in Vietnam, worked as an engineering technician beginning in 1980, and became a Hispanic employment program coordinator. He attained the rank of sergeant.

Reyes currently works for Sprint in Overland Park and is also active in the Kansas City community. He volunteers as an interpreter and was a founder of both the Southwest Area Neighborhood Watch group and Azteca, an organization dedicated to helping the Kansas City community understand and appreciate Latino culture. Reyes will serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

# # #