FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. - Going above and beyond, and making a difference far beyond the cubicle is what differentiates some from others. Twelve people from U.S. Army Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command (Army) were recognized for their considerable contributions, and one of them was honored as NETCOM's 2010 Civilian of the Year.
Lonnie W. Mansell, the Military Construction Programmer in the NETCOM G-4 Command Engineer Division, was selected as the command's 2010 Civilian of the Year. Mansell was chosen over 11 others by a board of senior leaders within the command. Others considered for the honor ranged from administrative officers, budget analysts, telecommunications and information technology specialists and operations analysts.
The diversity of the specialties Army Civilians work in was one of the key points of the key speaker's speech.
"In 1775, Army Civilians were employed as clerks, skilled tradesmen, craftsmen, physicians, teamsters and unskilled laborers," said Dr. Randy Groth, Arizona's Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. "Today, the Civilian workers serve in about 500 occupational fields and have significant responsibilities throughout all organization levels within the Army.
"The Civilian workforce is integral to the future of the Army and this Nation. Their importance cannot be overstated in this time of consistent conflict."
Maj. Gen. Jennifer L. Napper, NETCOM/9th SC(A) commanding general, praised the current Civilian workforce for their work in the command.
"Transforming NETCOM and our networks is a difficult task, and one that is doubly testing both our patience and flexibility," Napper said. "Yet NETCOM has been able to stay on task in our efforts toward achieving a single unified network. Much of our progress can be attributed to one thing - having a Civilian workforce that is eager and willing to do what it takes to reach this goal."
Previously, Mansell was selected as the command's June 2010 Civilian of the Month for his work with the stationing of Army Cyber Command, and efforts with supporting the sustainment of the LandWarNet - the Army's portion of the global Information Grid - and the transition to the Global Network Enterprise Construct.
"I am honored, and this is completely unexpected," Mansell said. "All those people on the (Army Cyber Command) tiger team worked just as hard as I did. Many of them could be and should be up here instead of me."
Mansell commended all those he has worked with - seniors and peers - thanking them for the opportunities and giving them credit for his success. He also credited his success to his parents.
"My parents made me who I am today," Mansell said. "They cheered me on from (Army) private to lieutenant colonel, and continued to cheer in my transformation to civil servant."
Wrapping up the ceremony, Daniel Bradford, NETCOM's Senior Civilian, credited all the Civilians serving the Nation for everything they do on a daily basis.
"The fine civilians we are recognizing are a 'slice' of what I describe, and while it is fitting and proper that we recognize them today, I know that the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice that describe each of them also makes up the moral fabric of our ranks," Bradford said. "I know that because I see it, and I know it because our Army and military would not be the finest on earth without the people who comprise it."
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