CHAFFEE NATIVE HONORED BY ARMED FORCES

CHAFFEE -- A Chaffee native has been honored for meritorious service with the Armed Forces of the United States.

Lt. Commander Benjamin B.C. Capshaw, USN, recently received the Joint Service Commendation Medal and Citation authorized by the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

The citation noted that Capshaw has "distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement while serving as a staff attorney on the DOD Advisory Panel on Streamlining and Codifying acquisition Law, Defense Systems Management College, from Oct. 28, 1991 to Feb. 28, 1993."

The commendation reads that "during this period, Commander Capshaw's outstanding leadership and professionalism resulted in significant contributions to improving the acquisition process of the Department of Defense."

According to the citation, Capshaw's recommendations "will have far-reaching effects on the way the Department of Defense contracts with small businesses. His keen insight, dedication and `can do' spirit were an inspiration to fellow panel members throughout the long hours and exhaustive efforts necessary to complete this demanding task."

Capshaw is stationed with the U.S. Navy Judicial Corp in Washington, D.C. He has served as prosecutor, defender and judge for the Navy in several foreign countries.

He is a member of the Missouri Bar.

Capshaw, 34, is a 1976 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau. He earned a B.A. degree in political science and law degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"Capshaw is one of the navy's finest officers," said Adm. W. L. Vincent, in his evaluation report of Capshaw. "He has continually demonstrated outstanding performance of duty, as a staff attorney at DSMC, and has distinguished himself as a research, analyst and writer.

"In addition to his specific assigned duties, Capshaw has always stood ready to help his contemporaries to see that a project succeeds, and completed on scheduled," said Vincent. "His `can do' attitude is an inspiration to those around him."