Phantom Regiment awarded two long-time supporters at a season kick-off event Friday, Nov. 28 at the Beloit Memorial High School auditorium.

In front of more than 440 auditionees from 33 states and four foreign countries, as well as countless boosters and leaders, Phantom Regiment presented Chevron Awards to Greg Newell and Cathy DeZarn.

The Chevron Award is presented to volunteers and boosters who have given extraordinary meritorious service to the organization. This is the first time since 2000 that the award has been presented.

Greg Newell currently is vice president of the Board of Directors for Phantom Regiment. An alumni of the corps and a Michigan native, Greg resides in Loves Park and is Assistant Sports Editor for the Rockford Register Star. Greg’s volunteer efforts as board member, development director, webmaster and administrator are key to the corps’ recent resurgence as an internationally acclaimed organization.

Cathy DeZarn is a long-time Rockford resident who has volunteered in many roles over the past 15 years. She was an active leader in Phantom Regiment Cadets and though she no longer has children in the corps, she continues to serve in the souvenir-merchandise department for the Phantom Regiment. Traveling for the entire eight-week summer tour, she also volunteers in
multiple capacities at all winter events.

“Cathy and Greg work tirelessly and on a daily basis for the Phantom Regiment,” Phantom Regiment president Tim Farrell said. “We are honored to give this prestigious award to these fine people, and we are even more proud to count them as true friends.”

Phantom Regiment has begun preparation for the 2004 performance season. For more information call 815-965-6777 or visit www.regiment.org.