Fort Belvoir, Va. (May 15, 2014) - The Fort Belvoir Directorate of Human Resources celebrated Pubic Service Recognition week by recognizing the efforts of its workforce during a cookout at the Welcome Center, Thursday.

Since 1985, Congress has designated the first week of May as Public Service Recognition Week. DHR wanted to take time to recognize their employees' public service to the Soldiers, Families, retirees and partner organizations within the Belvoir community, according to Kevin Rennick, Directorate of Human Resources director.

"The DHR is an organization that I believe is one that responds to giving back," said Rennick. "There is an understanding that we are here to serve, and knowing that there are people within an organization who are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, to me, speaks volumes of the character of these people. I'm appreciative of each employee."

DHR employees enjoyed the recognition since it gave everyone a chance to relax and get away from their normal work schedule, according to Doryan Dixon, Army Substance Abuse Program manager.

"It allows us to get to know each other better, because we have separate teams within DHR," said Dixon. "It's a wonderful idea."

The DHR helps Soldiers and servicemembers at Fort Belvoir through every aspect of their time on post. DHR members help with in-processing and out-processing, assisting with education opportunities and ensuring Soldiers and servicemembers get their mail and are properly registered to vote.

The assistance Rennick received during his 24 years in the Army is why he decided to work in human resources upon retirement.

"They taught me the true meaning of serving," said Rennick. "So, ensuring the Soldiers' needs are met, it's going to make him a better Soldier and combat ready. That's one reason I wanted to stay in the field so I can continue to give back."

Ensuring Soldiers and servicemembers are taken care of and properly informed is the best part of his job, according to Jeff Robinson, DHR assistant to the director. Robinson also assists Soldiers and servicemembers on post complete their voter registrations.

"I take pride in that, when a Soldier leaves here, they have the answer they came for or at least the answer that is applicable," said Robinson. "It's the best part of the job."

Servicing the military community on post is the number one aspect of their jobs that Dixon thinks every DHR employee needs to keep in mind. As the manager of the ASAP program, Dixon said it is especially important that she and her employees remember that helping Soldiers and servicemembers is their immediate responsibility.

"We provide services to a joint force," said Dixon. "Belvoir is a different animal, but it's been very rewarding to provide services to the servicemembers, their Family members and even Reservists who contact us. They're a part of the community that we serve, too."

Showing his employees he recognizes their hard work is only going to make them and the organization better, said Rennick.

"As a former Soldier, anytime an individual is recognized for any acts of serving or kindness it only encourages that individual or group to continue to do so," said Rennick. "It's extremely important."