More than 100 federal employees were recognized for their service on Tuesday at the Federal Executive Awards luncheon held at Rock Island Arsenal's Heritage Hall.

Yvonne Siddique, secretary for the FEA program, the Federal Employee of the Year program, which awards the honors to be presented at each year's luncheon, has the goals of encouraging excellence and honoring achievement. The program provides awards in seven categories: Coach/Manager/Executive; Technical/Professional; Clerical/Administration; Trades/Crafts; Public Contact; the Community Service Award and the Extra Mile Award. The FEA serves as a crossroads for all of the federal agencies in the Quad Cities area.

Col. Craig S. Cotter, commander of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center was the keynote speaker for the event. Cotter spoke about the important role federal employee's play in ensuring the American way of life.

"We work for the American people," Cotter said. "If we take our eye off the ball for just one day, we can put people's lives at risk."

Award winners from RIA-JMTC included: Mike Gowdy, Coach/Manager/Executive; Kimberly Speer, Technical/Professional; and Gunter Terronez, Extra Mile Award.

"The Extra Mile Award is given to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in support of the nation," Siddique said.

She added that although the awards are not monetary, they give federal employees the chance to be recognized by their peers.

In closing his speech, Cotter also spoke on the heritage and legacy of civil service in the United States.

"Civil service has been ingrained in this country since its birth. As we work every day to live up to that legacy, take a few moments to think about what legacy you want to leave behind," Cotter said.