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Release:00-295

Charles Scales recognized for efforts at Marshall’s National Hispanic Heritage month celebration

Charles H. Scales, director of Equal Opportunity at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., was recognized today at National Hispanic Heritage Month festivities at the Center for his contributions to Marshall’s Hispanic Employment Program.

Scales was presented the first Bonzzo award given by the Hispanic Employment Program. The award -- named for a Puerto Rican cartoon character -- recognizes Marshall Center managers who make significant contributions supporting equal opportunity principles.

He was recognized for his appointment of a new Hispanic Employment Program Manager, for implementing "significantly improved recruitment and outreach efforts," and "increased support for local and community efforts to promote the advancement of Latinos."

Scales received a statue of Bonzzo signed by Marshall Center Director Art Stephenson, Puerto Rican Gov. Pedro Rossello and Puerto Rican cartoonist John Rivas, who donated the statue to honor the work of Hispanics at the Marshall Center.

The presentation culminates a month of activities at the Marshall Center recognizing the contributions of Hispanics.

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan established Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 14. Oct. 12 is celebrated as El Dia de la Raza — The Day of the People, recognized as the day Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas.

"Charles is an excellent choice for this first award," said Elia Ordonez, Hispanic Employment Program manager at the Marshall Center. "He has contributed much to the quality of life in our community and, in particular, the Hispanic community at Marshall."

Scales has served as director of the Marshall Equal Opportunity office since 1997. He joined Marshall’s Institutional and Program Support Directorate in 1975 and has served as Business Management Office director, Resources Management Branch chief, and Program Control Office chief.

Prior to that, Scales was a telecommunications specialist and program analyst in the Institutional and Program Support communications office.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business from Alabama A&M University. Past honors include the Space Flight Leadership Award, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the Astronauts’ Silver Snoopy Award, and the Profiles in Excellence Award.

A native of Livingston, Ala., he and his wife, Vernal, have a daughter, Tiffany, and son, Chad. They reside in Huntsville.