Marine Security Guard Commanding Officer Honored by State Department

Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Washington, DC

August  29, 2003

August 2003; Washington, DC: Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Francis X. Taylor, left, presents the Department of State's Meritorious Honor Award to Colonel Boyette S. Hasty, USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Security Guard Battalion. State Department Photo/Darlene Kirk.
 
Colonel Boyette S. Hasty, USMC, Commanding Officer, Marine Security Guard Battalion, was presented with the Department of State's Meritorious Honor Award by Ambassador Francis X. Taylor, Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, during a recent ceremony at the Department. Colonel Hasty was recognized for his exceptional service while commanding a battalion which trains, assigns, and supports over 1,200 Marines for the internal security of 132 U.S. embassies, missions, and consulates worldwide.

The award's citation read: "In recognition of your sustained outstanding dedication, professionalism, and support to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security while serving at the Commanding Officer of the Marine Security Guard Battalion. Semper Fi! August 2001-August 2003."

In the early 1970s Col. Hasty had served as an enlisted Marine Security Guard (MSG) at our embassies in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, and Bangkok, Thailand, and he later served as Detachment Commander at Can Tho, Republic of Vietnam Detachment.

On August 29, during a Change of Command Ceremony at  Quantico Marine Base, Colonel William E. Rizzio, Jr., USMC, assumed command for the MSG Battalion from Colonel Hasty. 
 
[Regional release by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Public Affairs: released August 29, 2003.]