ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md.- - The CECOM Software Engineering Center at Fort Lee congratulated, William R. Clement, Jr., 2012 recipient of the Army Materiel Command's Louis Dellamonica Award for Outstanding Personnel of the Year, awarded in honor of the oldest and longest serving Department of Defense employee, who retired at age 94.

The annual award recognizes outstanding achievements that significantly contribute to AMC's mission and objectives. Each year AMC selects employees, military and civilian, below the rank of general officer and senior executive service, who meet the established guidelines and embody the attributes of integrity, leadership, teamwork, innovation, and professionalism, exemplified by Dellamonica during his 65-year career as an AMC general engineer.

Ricky Daniels, director of the SEC-L, Tactical Logistics Directorate, nominated Clement because of his tireless motivation to improve and enhance the systems he supported, his ability to effectively communicate with his team and pay exceptional attention to customer service.

"Bill [Clement] stands out because of his loyalty to his own style of leadership, and his respect for the skills of his team and the organization. He is confident and instills confidence through his calm and steady demeanor," said Daniels. "He is an accomplished communicator with the ability to hear and consider the views and recommendations of his team, other teams and most importantly -- every customer.

"I was humbled by the recognition," said Clement, who recently retired from SEC after 48 years of combined military and civilian federal service. "It was totally unexpected…I was appreciative that I was even considered."

During his career, Clement served in a variety of positions, including being a computer specialist, logistics management specialist, project officer, chief of installation and director of logistics. In his more recent assignment at SEC-Lee Tactical Logistics Directorate, he served as chief of Plans, Operations and Portfolio integration, where he managed 17 tactical logistics, business, and installation information management systems.

"Professionally, I want to express gratitude for a very rewarding career and I am especially proud to be a member of the team responsible for providing enduring world class logistics management information systems (hardware & software) to our soldiers across the Force," said Clement.

Stephen F. Kovacs, former acting director of the SEC, spoke highly of Clement's accomplishments. "His leadership successes spanned the breadth of the SEC-Lee TLD's missions with impressive performance supervising mission delivery, facilitating the expansion of the directorate's capabilities, marketing enhanced capabilities to capture new business, and always putting our customers first."

When asked to describe his impacts in his work place, Clement stated that he believes in focusing on the "personal" in personnel. "I attempt to know their families, the special events, and their likes and dislikes…I am able to foster a family environment," said Clement, "I have always done my best to facilitate a stress free environment."

Clements offers the following advice to those seeking leadership positions.

"The most successful leaders are those that inspire men to follow them willingly… if you inspire men to follow you and do your bidding, every gap will be filled, to include the unexpected and latent discoveries."