Global War on Terrorism Civilian Awards Ceremony

 

Programs and Support Length of Service Awards
Thu, 10 Dec 09

Programs and Support Quarterly Awards
Thu, 22 Jan 09

Programs and Support Quarterly Awards
Thu, 22 Jan 09

Programs and Support Quarterly Awards
Fri, 24 Oct 08

Food and Hospitality/Clubs and Catering/Services Quarterly Awards
Fri, 19 Oct 08

Return to Work Awards
Thu, 25 Sep 08

Length of Service Awards - Retail Division
Tue, 26 Aug 08

Programs and Support Quarterly Awards
Mon, 14 Jul 08

Food and Hospitality/Clubs and Catering/Services Quarterly Awards
Tue, 8 Jul 08

Employee Awards

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On April 19, 2010, Heather King of the Retail Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune, received the Unsung Hero Award. She was commended for extraordinary contributions to the continuing operational success of the Retail Division. Heather consistently performed beyond the scope of her normal duties with a positive and enthusiastic attitude resulting in a great rapport with her customers and co-workers.  No matter what the task, she seized every opportunity to ensure that our patrons received the services they deserved and expected – nothing short of World Class Customer Service.  Heather’s admirable knowledge of the administrative operations of the Retail Division gained the respect of all whom she supported.  Her friendly smile and positive attitude served as a shining example of the type of person we all desire as a co-worker.  For all these reasons, Heather is enthusiastically recognized as an Unsung Hero of Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune.

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On February 24, 2010, Junko Vasquez received the Unsung Hero Award for her dynamic service as a Sales Associate that has set the bar for all of us!  A testimony from one of our customers submitted this ICE comment:  “I observed an older retired Marine browsing through the merchandise in the military section of the Main Exchange.  The gentleman looked a little confused and a young lady, who I later saw to be Junko, approached the gentleman and offered some assistance.  The gentleman was unsure of what he wanted, but stated that he was a Korean Marine and World War II [veteran]…. She showed this older man, still a Marine at heart, much respect and welcomed him with a smile….She was patient, caring, and was a true example of how a person should treat others.”

Ms. Vasquez has seized every opportunity to ensure that each customer received this type of World Class Customer Service.  She has set the example by treating others with dignity and respect.  Her dedication and devotion to the Marine Corps Exchange and all of Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune has truly made her a valuable member of the Retail Division.

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On February 22, 2010, Pearl Harrell and Ricky Jones, also known as the Marston’s Mainstays, received the Team Achievement Award for their superior customer service with the Clubs and Catering Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune.

During the 20 years of service with MCCS, Camp Lejeune, the Marston’s Mainstays has made many extraordinary contributions to its continuing operational success. From serving on planning committees for private events and assisting culinary teams in setting up hundreds of dinner plates, to mentoring Recreation Aides at Marston Pavilion, they have consistently performed with an exceptionally positive and enthusiastic attitude. Customers continually commended on their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

As a result of their commitment to MCCS, Camp Lejeune and all those we exist to serve, the Marston’s Mainstays has established a great rapport with customers and co-workers, gaining the respect of all.

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On February 22, 2010, Andra (Todd) James, of the Clubs and Catering Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune, received the Unsung Hero Award for providing extraordinary support for the 2009 Marine Corps Birthday Balls. Mr. James ensured that our patrons received World Class Customer Service at each and every Marine Corps birthday celebration.  Performing not just his duties, but doing whatever was necessary to get the job done, his efforts guaranteed our success.

No matter what the task, Mr. James heart never faltered, and he continues his duties with a smile, sharing encouraging words with his co-workers each step of the way. His work ethic has gained the respect of all whom we support. 

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On November 23, 2009, Willie Hill received the Unsung Hero Award for his superior service with the Retail Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune.  During the 36 years that Mr. Hill has served Marines, Sailors, their families, and all our other customers, he seized every opportunity to ensure that each and every one received World Class Customer Service on countless occasions.  Mr. Hill has inspired admiration for his dedication and devotion to both customers and fellow employees at the Central Service Station, Retail Division, Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune.

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On November 19, 2009, the “MCCS Coordinator Team” received the 4th Qtr Team Achievement Award for promoting individual and family readiness programs throughout every geographic location aboard Camp Lejeune.  While much of their service is behind the scenes, they perform the vital important tasks of a subject matter expert on all issues concerning MCCS, Camp Lejeune – keeping the Marines, Sailors, Coasties, family members, and all others whom we serve apprised of Semper Fit activities, Marine and Family Services programs, business operations, and construction and renovation projects. 

The MCCS Coordinator Team ability to tailor their work to the specific organizations they serve reflects their ability to think independently when necessary and exercise professionally mature judgment in all they do.  As a result of their dedication and commitment to MCCS, Camp Lejeune and all those we exist to serve; their work has become legendary, leading to the establishment of MCCS Coordinator programs Marine Corps-wide. 

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Left to right:  Leslie Napiorkowski (Lifeguard Instructor), Casey Bodenhamer (Lifeguard Instructor), Nicholas Hill, David Brock.

On Wed, 4 Nov, Area 2 pool
Two of our Semper Fit Lifeguards recently received letters of appreciation from the Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune for their life saving efforts.

LETTER OF APPRECIATION
Mr. David C. Brock, Lifeguard

Thank you, David, for your outstanding service as part of the Aquatics Section's Lifeguard team.

Please accept my utmost gratitude for your rapid response that contributed to saving a life at Courthouse Bay Swimming Pool on 31 August 2009. Your assistance in bringing a distressed swimmer from the bottom of the pool, extracting him from the water via a backboard, and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation was a major task, and you are commended for this valiant effort.

David, your calm, professional response saved a swimmer in crisis from death. You placed the swimmer's life ahead of your own safety. Your courage, proficiency, and lifesaving efforts are a testament to your dedication to duty. On this day you showed true character, and Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune is very proud to have a hero like you among our staff members.

LETTER OF APPRECIATION
Mr. Nicholas R. Hill, Lifeguard

Thank you, Nicholas, for your outstanding service as part of the Aquatics Section's Lifeguard team.

Please accept my utmost gratitude for your rapid response that contributed to saving a life at Courthouse Bay Swimming Pool on 31 August 2009. Your assistance in bringing a distressed swimmer from the bottom of the pool, extracting him from the water via a backboard, and administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation was a major task, and you are commended for this valiant effort.

Nicholas, your calm, professional response saved a swimmer in crisis from death. You placed the swimmer's life ahead of your own safety. Your courage, proficiency, and lifesaving efforts are a testament to your dedication to duty. On this day you showed true character, and Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune is very proud to have a hero like you among our staff members.

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On October 2, 2009 Jerry Randle of the Retail Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune, received the Unsung Hero Award. He was commended for his extraordinary work ethic, team spirit and willingness to serve others.

When the Retail Division has challenges, Jerry is the first one to step forward and volunteer for the occasion.  While working on various special projects, he has mastered the art of repairing, replacing and renovating anything.  During the renovations of the MCAS Exchange, he volunteered to drive to Wilmington Airport to retrieve the special package that contributed to the success of the opening. Jerry’s hard work and dedication to getting the job done has made him Retail’s top delivery hero for their Division.

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On October 2, 2009, Tommy King, Chris Meinhardt, Eddie Nolan, Phil Phillips, Jerry Randle, and Fred Riehle, also known as “Phil’s Team”, received the Team Achievement Award for their actions in addressing the challenges of the Retail Division’s constantly shifting customer service requirements due to renovations, remodels, and merchandise resets.

Particularly noteworthy were their actions in the renovation of the MCAS, New River Exchange; the resetting of the Main Exchange warehouse; and the establishment of the uniquely successful LZ Bluebird Exchange for service members participating in the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore Exercise . Their strong work ethic, team spirit, and willingness to support our military men and women make “Phil’s Team” valuable members of the Retail Division.

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On August 31, 2009 Kari Laws of the Retail Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune, received the Unsung Hero Award.  She was commended for developing dynamic and motivating training programs which set the tone for our Marine Corps Exchange employees. 

As the only instructor for the Retail Division, Kari is the proverbial “point of the spear” when it comes to spending quality time with each new employee. From training the staff in proper cash handling procedures to operating the cash register, scanning merchandise, and recognizing the military grades of our customers, her instructions gives the employees the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to perform their duties. Her remarkable skill in identifying specific training needs gives her the ability to adapt quickly and design meaningful training modules for the employees of the Retail Division.  Although she often works behind the scenes, Kari recently stepped out of her comfort zone and hosted the Back to School Fashion Show, which was a huge success. Kari’s dedication and commitment to teaching and developing our Marine Corps Exchange employees truly makes her a stellar member of the Retail Division. 

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On July 29, 2009, the “Marketing Team,” Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune received the Team Achievement Award for their dynamic and motivated actions to market MCCS services – whether program, product, or special event.  Although the Marketing Division often worked behind the scenes, their services produced award-winning results for the fellow employees, colleagues and customers they exist to serve. 

From creating promotional pieces, taking photos, and promoting events on mccslejeune.com to developing branding plans, printing and laminating posters, and conducting surveys, the Marketing Division professionally communicated the many diverse (if not competing) messages reflecting the multi-faceted organization we have become.  Their exceptional gift for seeing the bigger picture ensured these messages always highlighted the unifying note of our organization, which played the key role in successful marketing.

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On July 8, 2009 Robin Karratti of the Single Marine Program, Semper Fit Division, Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Camp Lejeune, received the Unsung Hero Award.  She was commended for her extraordinary contributions to the Single Marine Program’s operational success as an Administrative Support Assistant. 

Robin serves as the heart of the Single Marine Program. From planning events, coordinating travel arrangements, and organizing recreational and volunteer opportunities, she consistently performs with an exceptionally positive and enthusiastic attitude.  She seizes every opportunity to ensure that our service members receive the care they deserve by going above and beyond what’s merely required.  She often plays the role of “surrogate mother” to the troops by baking cakes and cookies, and providing encouragement when needed.  Due to her vast knowledge of MCCS, Camp Lejeune’s operational structure, her expertise and enthusiasm, built a great rapport with customers and co-workers, gaining the respect of all.

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On May 21, 2009 Loretta Morehouse of Facilities and Maintenance Division, Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune received the Unsung Hero Award for the month of May. She was commended for providing extraordinary maintenance support to each and every one of the eleven divisions that comprise the vast totality of Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune.  From performing the Safety and Training Coordinator’s duties, to serving as the motor transport supervisor for our entire fleet of vehicles, to ensuring the smooth daily functioning of the Division’s internal operations, she consistently performed all tasks with an exceptionally positive and enthusiastic attitude.

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2009 Administrative Professional of the Year

Each year we gather to celebrate and recognize the efforts and contributions of Administrative Professionals throughout the community.  We know them well.  Often silent, frequently humble, and most always trying to deflect credit for the vast amount of work they accomplish, Administrative Professionals are the heartbeats of our organizations.  Today we celebrate their importance.

On behalf of First Citizens Bank, I extend my gratitude and thanks to all Administrative Professionals for their support and contributions to our local businesses.  I would also like to extend recognition and congratulations to the very deserving past recipients of this award.  It is with great pleasure that I share with you the accomplishments and involvements of this year’s recipient:  the sixth named Administrative Professional of the Year. 

Quite simply, this individual has made it a life purpose to live each day to its fullest, and to give of herself to others. 

“Making a positive difference in the lives of the people our organization exists to serve”:  active duty and retired service members, their families…One might claim that this segment of the Marine Corps Community Services Camp Lejeune mission statement was written with this year’s recipient in mind.  A veteran of federal government service, she has dedicated nearly 25 years of her life to supporting members of our armed forces and the greater community surrounding each military installation at which she worked.  Her career is a testament to the role of Administrative Professional. 

In 1989, she joined MCCS Camp Lejeune as a Cashier and advanced quickly into the role of Secretary, and began building a reputation of professionalism, friendliness, enthusiasm, organization, strong attention to detail and above all loyalty and dedication to her job.  As such, she was selected for senior administrative roles serving executive leadership within MCCS for over 15 years.  As the Assistant to the Director, Marine Corps Community Services, she orchestrated the activities and administrative staff of the most visible office within the organization.  She has been recognized as a leader in customer service and awarded the “Flying Fish” Award:  a honorary Doctor of Philosophy in World Class Customer Service.  She was again awarded for her unselfish dedication to assisting others and presented with the “Unsung Hero” award.  In her continual pursuit to make a positive difference, this individual co-developed the first Lifestyles, Insights, Networking, Knowledge, Skills (L.I. N.K.S.) for Spanish speaking military spouses, providing them the information and tools to better prepare them for the variety of challenges associated with military life.  She is regarded with great admiration and respect for her organizational knowledge, and is a role model in honesty, loyalty and commitment for all members of the organization.

 It has been said by a former supervisor that her “sphere of influence extends well beyond Camp Lejeune’s gates, as evidenced by [her] countless hours of selfless and devoted service.”   She has committed herself to making a positive difference in the lives of all she touches, and to helping those who perhaps cannot help themselves or would not otherwise know how to.  As current President and past Secretary of the Onslow Hispanic Latino Association (OHLA), she volunteers translation services, and provides resource and referrals to Spanish-speaking members of the community.

Over the past fifteen years, she and her husband have donated their personal time numerous evenings each month to bring joy to patrons at various long term care homes in Onslow County and the Jacksonville area.  Through song and performance, they offer happiness and bring a bit of sunshine to patients residing at the Carebridge, Liberty Commons and Britthaven Nursing Homes.  She has given large amounts of her personal time performing with the Spotlight Entertainers in a annual variety Christmas show, raising funds to assist those in need.  In addition, she again with her spouse, volunteers her time and Disk Jockey Services to several dance events each year held by the Good Times of Onslow Special Needs group.  As former leader of the Hispanic Ministry at the Infant of Prague Catholic Church, she organized countless efforts to provide bilingual assistance, organized health fairs, and coordinated food and clothing drives for those in need.  These are only a short list of the benevolence efforts undertaken by this year’s award recipient, of which I am confident illustrate her unselfish commitment to assist her neighbors in the community.

This year’s recipient is an inspiration to many.  She is actively a mentor to those around her, within Marine Corps Community Services Camp Lejeune, and beyond the gate.   A graduate of the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, she possesses a natural ability to lead others.  She is committed to professional development through coursework at MCCS, and to sharing her knowledge with others.  Signature of her style, this individual has served numerous years on the Administrative Professionals Event Committee, unselfishly and actively pursuing the recognition of other administrators. 

To this year’s recipient we say:  “Live, Laugh, and Love.” 

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to present the 2009 Administrative Professional of the Year award to Ms. Maria Brinton. 

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On 24 Mar 2009, the Financial Division’s Fiscal Branch was given the Team Achievement Award for their creative approach to overcoming backlog of work and returning the productivity of the Fiscal Branch to its normal level. When systems outages and personnel turnover interrupted normal workflow, they set and achieved realistic “catch up” goals, by crossing sectional boundaries and working together to get the job done. Their selfless service and commitment to excellence reflected the commendable pride in their work and benefited the Financial Management Division as a whole.

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President’s “A” Team

On Mon, 16 Mar 2009 the President's "A" Team personnel were commended for their immediate coordinated response in support of President Barack H. Obama’s visit to Camp Lejeune on Fri, 27 Feb 2009. From providing delicious snacks to bringing in additional seating, from erecting snow fencing to ferrying our general officers and their spouses to and from their homes, they met each challenge with a “can do” attitude, once again demonstrating how much we value the needs of all those we exist to serve. The “A” team gave all our customers that day — the President, his staff, the members of the Wounded Warrior Battalion — East, and every other Marine and civilian inside the Goettge Memorial Field House — ample reason to come back to Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Lejeune, NC again and again and again.

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On 5 Mar 09, Jim Brady, Marty Fairchild, and Ron Griffin, also known as The Three Amigos, received the Unsung Hero Award for the month of February. The Three Amigos played an indispensable role in making the Midway Park Theater renovation successful, the results of which have greatly added to the overall appeal of the facility and its environs.

The Three Amigos lived by the motto, “If it can be done, the staff of the MCCS Facilities & Maintenance Division can do it!” As with all projects, this one was a team effort, with each member of the team contributing a unique and vital strength towards achieving the desired outcome. 

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