ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Sean McDowell, a quality assurance specialist in ammunition surveillance, was recently named QASAS of the Year.

McDowell has served in the QASAS program more than 10 years, the last three of which have been spent with the Anniston Munitions Center.

He said participation in the QASAS program is a family affair, since his father was one for 20 years.

"I have been around the QASAS program since I was about 10 or 12 years old," said McDowell.

McDowell serves ANMC as an area inspector, making sure procedures are properly performed by munitions personnel.

"My job is to be nosy," he said.

"The QASAS program ensures the reliability of the Army stockpile by making sure everything is inspected in the proper interval," said Randall Branaugh, director of ANMC's Logistics Support Division.

McDowell's award was presented to him by Thomas Enricco, who has known him throughout his QASAS career.

"This is the best moment of being a career program manager," said Enricco. "It's good to see someone be recognized for all the good work they do.

The QASAS of the Year is chosen by grade level by a committee of other specialists. According to Enricco, the process begins with each committee member reviewing the files of all ammunition quality specialists at a lower grade level. The highest ranked employee by the committee is given the title QASAS of the Year.

"The entire Anniston Munitions Center team is proud of Mr. McDowell's accomplishment," said Lt. Col. David Schmitt, commander of ANMC. "This award is well-deserved and is based on his hard work and professionalism."

Aside from a plaque honoring the achievement, the employee is given $1,000 and is eligible for promotion, should an applicable position open.