McALESTER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT, Okla. -- The civilian deputy here was honored by Eastern Oklahoma State College as one of its two distinguished alumnus during the 9th Annual Sapphire Ball at EOSC in Wilburton, Okla., on April 7.

Gary Reasnor joined a select group of 18 alumni who have received the award since 2010 by distinguishing themselves professionally and through service to the college. The other 2018 recipient was Army Maj. Gen. (ret.) James E. Chambers.

"I'm very humbled by the honor of being recognized in this manner," said Reasnor during a video interview with EOSC that played during the Sapphire Ball.

Reasnor attended EOSC from 1976-1978, where he completed course work in pre-engineering. He then went to the University of Oklahoma, where he received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1980.

He worked in private industry for several years before starting at MCAAP as a supervisory civil engineer in 1985. After holding several other engineering and public works positions as well as the environmental coordinator position, he was selected as the civilian deputy in July 2004. In that position, he is responsible for overseeing the management of mission programs, reliability of the munitions stockpile, safety, security, quality and maintenance of base infrastructure.

Among his numerous professional accomplishments at MCAAP, Reasnor initiated the construction of additional ordnance production lines to meet the increasing munitions requirements for national security. Additionally, his focus on providing munitions readiness to the nation's warfighters propelled the plant to a record $242 million in revenue in fiscal year 2017.

He was recognized by the U.S. Army Materiel Command in 2016 with the Louis Dellamonica Award for significant contributions to the AMC mission and its overarching goals and objectives.

He appreciates being part of the MCAAP team that serves the nation's warfighters.

"I've had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest Americans in the world at McAlester," said Reasnor. "We get the privilege to serve a cause that is much greater than ourselves. We're a key component of national defense and the patriotism here is evident every day."

During the Sapphire Ball, EOSC honored several other individuals and an organization that have made significant contributions to the college, including the McAlester Regional Health Center which received the President's Community Spirit Award.

It is EOSC's largest annual fundraiser and a record $35,673.22 for student scholarships during the black-tie event, according to EOSC President Dr. Stephen E. Smith.

MCAAP is one of 17 installations of the Joint Munitions Command and one of 23 organic industrial base facilities under the U.S. Army Materiel Command.