FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii--U.S. Army Pacific held its annual Army Civilian Recognition award ceremony, Feb. 29 at the Hale Ikena on Fort Shafter, Hawaii.
Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, USARPAC commanding general was host and keynote speaker that recognized Civilian employees in several categories.
Started by former USARPAC commander, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, the event sold out for the second year in a row and Wiercinski promised he would continue recognizing Army Civilians for their outstanding dedication to service.
"Over the last 10 years our Civilians have shoulders the weight of our Army, while we have been away and we could not do our jobs without you," said Wiercinski. "You have been the continuity and the strength of the Pacific and from all of us in uniform, we thank you."
At the conclusion of the keynote address, lunch was served before presenting individual and group awards.
Kerry Abramson, Installation Management Command, took top honors in the professional category.
"I am extremely grateful to have been given my award at such a wonderfully organized and choreographed venue," said Kerry Abramson, an environmental law attorney, assigned to U.S. Army Garrison. "Like the rest of the Army civilians, I work hard every day and realize that my efforts act to further the Army's mission. Having the CG [USARPAC commanding general] present my award, emphasized to me that I am an integral and necessary part of the Army team."
Clifford Olivera, U.S. Army Core of Engineers, was recognized for trades and crafts; Emily C. Harrison, 25th Infantry Division, won for her administrative support excellence; Sharon L. Cofer, also from 25th ID, was the best Supervisor/ Manager/ Leader of the Year; and Candace Lotomau, USACE, was recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Year.
Eight individuals, from the USARPAC G-6 Information Assurance Team, were recognized for Team Excellence. They were Dave Boucher, Jennie Rachauskas, Cory Tomoyasu, Una McClenning, Tom Prest, Renee Dela Cruz, Dominic Monteleone, and Danny Torrez.
Six individuals were also honored as Unsung Heros. They were Kent Tamai USACE, John H. Kurashige, USARPAC G-1, Marie E. Kennedy, USARPAC G-2, Reuben D. Park, USARPAC G-3, Cory Tomoyasu, USARPAC G-6 and Russell K. Dodson, USARPAC public affairs.
"You really are incredible people and 'unsung hero's' is a perfect way to describe a well deserved civilian work force," said Wiecinski. "We appreciate what you do every single day, what you have done, and what you're going to do in the future as "One Team".
The Army Civilian Corps Creed was recited by all in attendance at the conclusion of the ceremony.
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