Depot members, relatives, co-workers and good friends gathered on Nov. 19 to honor J. Paul Addington as the posthumous recipient of the 2010 Association of the U.S. Army Regional Civilian Exceptional Service Award.
Addington served as Red River Army Depot deputy commander from August 2007 until his death in December 2009. This is the first time anyone has ever received this award posthumously.
"Today\'s ceremony and presentation is an outward show of our respect and admiration for Paul," said RRAD Commander Col. Daniel G. Mitchell. "His life is evident in so many aspects of the depot. He loved his role in service to his nation and he loved the mission we do at the depot."
Each year the AUSA region president selects an Army civilian to receive the AUSA Citation for Exceptional Service Award. Eligible candidates must show exemplary service to the Army and the local community. He or she must also receive the endorsement of the local commander.
The award presentation was made by retired Army Col. James Hogan, president of the AUSA North Texas division.
"I look at this group of people here today and it's clear to me as an outsider looking in at Red River Army Depot that J. Paul Addington was a core fiber of this great organization," said Hogan. "I'm privileged to bring this award out and present it to Paul's family to honor what he has done, not only recently but in his lifetime as a Department of the Army civilian."
Receiving the award were Donna Addington, wife of Paul, son and daughter-in-law Capt. Matthew and Heather Addington as well as daughter, Emily Addington. At the time of his death, Paul and Donna were visiting Matthew, Heather and granddaughter, Abigail, in Guam.
"When he came home at night he was proud of this depot," said Donna. "He loved the Army, he loved his work and he loved the people he worked with."
Addington entered the Air Force in 1972. He began his civilian service career in 1979 as a structural engineer. During his 30 year career, he served in many capacities including director for public works and chief of staff.
"I believe that Dad may have disagreed that he deserved to get this award today; that was just his nature to be humble," said Matthew, during the ceremony. "Of course we all here today know better. Dad was more than deserving of such an honor for his tireless work ethic and devoted leadership that he made standard in every department that he worked for."
To close the ceremony, Mitchell unveiled a plaque with Addington's photo which names the headquarters conference room after him.
"It's only proper to remember him this way every day," said Mitchell. "His life was a shining example of what a man should be. We can still learn from his example."
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