MORGAN HILL, Calif., February 7, 2007—Cyclonix Inc., a creator of dynamic face-to-face sales, marketing and experiential environments, has announced that Timothy Koeppl, a firm partner as well as its general counsel, has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Major Koeppl, USMC was presented the Medal by General Frank Panter of the U.S. Marine Corps in a special ceremony in January. Among Koeppl’s achievements is a program that delivered 1,500 pairs of sandals and flip-flops to needy children and families in Africa.
The Medal was officially presented for meritorious service while serving as Logistics Officer, Camp Lemonier, Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Djibouti, Africa, from February 2005 to August 2005. During that period Koeppl, whose responsibilities included shipping, port operations, storage, inventory control, and construction off the camp, developed and executed a humanitarian assistance program that delivered pairs of sandals to the people of Djibouti. In addition, Koeppl used personal funds to secure food and water to local families. “His thoughtful efforts made a distinct difference in the quality of life for hundreds of Djibouti, and helped to enhance the goodwill and public relations between the United States Marine Corps and the citizens of Djibouti. Major Koeppl's initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service,” said General Panter.
Koeppl said the program to deliver sandals to the people of Djibouti was conceived when his oldest daughter, who was in kindergarten at the time, saw photos of local children. “She asked why the kids didn’t have shoes and suggested we send them flip-flops so their feet wouldn’t burn up,” recalls Koeppl.
This launched a program among the Koeppl’s friends and associates in the Monterey, CA area to collect pairs of sandals. Koeppl’s daughter and her friends made posters, and through both personal donations and donations from local retailers, 1,500 pairs of shoes were collected. DHL donated shipping and delivered the shoes to Koeppl in Africa.
The sandals were distributed to a school for homeless children, a local village and others who made contact with the Marines and their Chaplains. Koeppl personally delivered pairs to people he’d met, including a little girl who the Marines would often give water to when they’d see her by the side of the road. “We had a special pair just for her,” says Koeppl.
Koeppl explained that it is not often that things like shoes make it to that part of the world because shipping costs are so high. “Most donations are made in cash because the cost of shipping goods far often exceeds the value of the goods,” says Koeppl. “These are people who don’t have much and appreciate every little thing—even getting a bottle of fresh water.”
Koeppl was recently recalled to serve his country for the third time since 911. He is currently based in Washington, D.C.
Cyclonix uses creativity and innovative design solutions to bring passion, energy and momentum to exhibits and environments. Capabilities include strategy, design, fabrication, management and execution. Learn more at www.cyclonixinc.com or by calling (800) 470-0062.
For more information, www.cyclonixinc.com.
