FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS - Commands often recognize employees for "jobs well done" and "superior performance," and the U.S. Army Medical Information Technology Center (USAMITC) is no exception. The command recognized one of its own in an awards ceremony held recently at USAMITC.

Jeffrey McCleery, USAMITC Information Technology Specialist, received the Commander's Award for Civilian Service "for superior service and support" during the Professional Filler System (PROFIS) Deployment System Sourcing Conferences held last year and earlier this year. The U.S. Army Medical Command (MEDCOM) hosted these conferences which took place at local hotels in the San Antonio area.

To begin the ceremony, Lt. Col. Beverly Beavers, USAMITC's commander, said a few words, and then introduced Col. Andrea Taliaferro, the MEDCOM military human resources division chief, who presented the award to McCleery.

"Col. [Ronald] Hamilton requested IT support for these conferences, the purpose of which was to divide up resources for the deployments later," said Taliaferro. "As a result of Mr. McCleery's direct involvement, the audio and IT support for these conferences was magnificent," she said. Col. Ronald Hamilton is the MEDCOM Director of Human Resources.

McCleery's work ethic and demeanor definitely factored in to his being recognized with this award, according to his supervisor. "Jeff serves as a natural leader of the Data Center Branch and 13 support associates, and is responsible for maintaining operational support for over 500 personal computers and related peripherals such as monitoring the departmental budget, preparing purchase requisitions and supervising the work of fellow support team members," said Darrell Irwin, USAMITC's Data Center Branch Manager and McCleery's direct supervisor. "He not only performs these responsibilities at the highest level, but goes well above and beyond the expectations of his position," Irwin added.

"Jeff is doing an excellent job, and did an excellent job with those large conferences; and that's just Jeff," said Marvin Baker, USAMITC's Sustainment Division Chief. "He worked by himself at those conferences with no support. He's a virtual one-man show, and that's why he won the award," he concluded.

During the ceremony, McCleery was awarded a medal and citation reflecting his performance and superlative accomplishments. The citation was signed by Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker, the Army Surgeon General and MEDCOM's Commanding General.

After being awarded this distinction, McCleery appeared to be at a loss for words. At the end, he simply thanked everyone in attendance sincerely for their support.