R&DA MEMORIAL PROGRAM

The Research & Development Associates awards and scholarships program has been established to honor and sustain the memory of past members who have contributed significantly to the growth and longevity of our organizations. Recipients of these awards are chosen because they exemplify the high standards set forth by those whom the awards are named. The program consists of the following:

COL. ROHLAND A. ISKER AWARD

for Outstanding Contributions to National Preparedness

This award was established to recognize meritorious achievements to National Preparedness in the Areas of Food and Container Research and Development. This contribution might be in the category of basic research, applied research, developmental endeavor, or process improvement. The award will be in recognition of an outstanding achievement recognized or completed during the past twelve months, or for significant achievements over a period of time.

Nomination Criteria

Civilian employees of the Federal Government, military personnel, personnel of the laboratories of other armed services and other federal government agencies are eligible to be nominated for this award. Members of the foregoing organizations may submit nominations. Nominations must be submitted by August 31.

Selection Process

The selection committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Board and is comprised of a Committee Chairman and four additional members selected from the R&DA Board of Directors.

Award Winners

COL. MERTON SINGER AWARD

for outstanding contributions to the R&DA mission cooperating with any

agencies of the U.S. Government.

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the R&DA mission in cooperation with agencies of the U.S. Government related to supporting the needs of the government in the fields of foods, containers, food service, equipment, supply or other appropriate related areas. The achievement can be for any period of time based on a single achievement or for numerous achievements over a period of time. It can be won by an individual or a team.

Nomination Criteria

Any employee of an R&DA industrial member company, an R&DA consultant member, or an individual R&DA member is eligible to be nominated for this award. Nominations must be submitted by March.

Selection Process

The selection committee is appointed by the Chairman of the Board and is comprised of a Committee Chairman and four additional members selected from the R&DA Board of Directors. If a suitable candidate is not identified, no award is made.

Award Winners

MARVIN BYER MEMORIAL Scholarship Fund

to provide an annual grant to a student to attend the R&DA Fall Meeting.

Donation Information

To forever memorialize Marvin Byer who served as an active member of R&DA for 34 years and as a work group chairman for 16 years - his dedication to science and knowledge, his zest for supporting the U.S. military, and his positive and gentle spirit are embodied in this fund.

R&DA solicits funds for this scholarship to provide an annual grant given to a university student involved in food, packaging, or related research.

Recipients receive:

! Attendance at the 3-day Fall Meeting

! Opportunity to present research paper

! Travel expenses and hotel accommodations

! Per Diem

! Commemorative Plaque

Nomination Criteria

Candidates must be from a member=s university. Entry form must be submitted five weeks prior to the Fall R&DA Meeting and include a written statement of the student=s qualifications to be considered for this award.

Selection Process

The selection committee consists of the R&DA Executive Director, Chair and Vice Chair of the Science and Technology Development Committee of the Board of RD&A.

Award Winners

R&DA MISSION

The mission of the Research and Development Associates for Military Food and Packaging is to provide the safest and highest quality food and food service to the U.S. Armed Forces R&DA serves as a focal point to foster communications and cooperation relating to research and development, supply and procurement of food, packaging, foodservice equipment and food service/feeding systems between private industry, government, academic institutions, consultants and technical/trade/professional associations. In pursuit of this mission it shall:

1. Publish and distribute selected pertinent studies and information.

2. Serve as a forum for maintaining effective communications between its membership and appropriate agencies of the U.S. federal, state, municipal and foreign governments.

3. Assist in the development and maintenance of a mobilization base that will, in the event of emergency, utilize food, packaging, food service and foodservice equipment, R&D, and manufacturing resources in the most effective manner.

4. Assist in programs of study covering food, packaging, food service, foodservice equipment and feeding systems, R&D, problems, and technology transfer and commercialization.

5. Assist Natick in developing communication with private industry in the development of cooperative R&D, standards, and commercialization programs.

6. Assist appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies in developing effective procurement programs, yielding the highest quality food, packaging, foodservice equipment, food service and feeding systems.

7. Monitor the food and feeding requirements of the U.S. Armed
Forces and match them with the capabilities of industry and
promote the coordination of available research and
development information to prevent costly duplication.