WAIKIKI, Hawaii - Wall space around the offices at U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii is becoming a premium commodity, with so many awards and recognitions displayed.
Now, employees at USAG-HI have to make room on their walls for the awards they received in recognition of their outstanding service during the 55th Annual Excellence in Federal Government Awards Luncheon and Expo, April 21, at the Waikiki Sheraton Hotel, here.
"We are all here today to acknowledge and honor our best," said Gloria Uyehara, executive director, Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board and event co-chair, about the more than 250 awardees in attendance.
A quick glance at the award list for the Installation Management Command-Pacific Region showed the strength of the Directorate of Public Works, the Directorate of Emergency Services and the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. IMCOM-Pacific members garnered seven out of the nine awards.
The IMCOM-Pacific Region itself was also selected as an Employer of Choice by the Honolulu-Pacific FEB. The IMCOM-Pacific Region was recognized for its ability to create a working environment that promotes and provides employees with opportunities to develop their skills and talents.
IMCOM-Pacific's Developmental Assignment and Mentorship programs were highlighted as keys to the region's ability to use its senior employees' experience to mentor junior-level employees, which in turn, results in a high percentage of employee retention.
"I'm happy that my hardworking staff is being recognized for the wonderful job that they do supporting Army families and their children's education while here in Hawaii," said Tasmin Keone, director, School Support Services; Child, Youth and School Services; DFMWR; about her team receiving the Team Excellence award.
A record-breaking 1,300 federal workers attended the luncheon this year, which was sponsored by the FEB, to recognize the best in Hawaii.
"I get to work with school liaisons all over the Pacific theater, but the (school liaison officers) here in Hawaii are the most dedicated when it comes to supporting Army families," said Douglas Kelsey, school support specialist, CYSS, IMCOM-Pacific.
Jessica McKinney, operations clerk, Nehelani, Schofield Barracks, DFMWR, said she feels honored to be a part of the USAG-HI community.
"I appreciate the recognition," she said about receiving the Clerical and Assistant Employee of the Year award. "There are lots of employees who deserve this award just as much as I do, so it means a great deal to me."
FEB awardees
-Supervisor/Manager of the Year: Kent Watase, DPW
-Team Excellence: School Support Services, DFMWR
-Clerical and Assistant Employee of the Year: Jessica McKinney, DFMWR
-Trades and Crafts Employee of the Year: William Whaley Jr., DPW
-Leader of the Year: John Vierra, DES, Fire and Emergency Services, USAG-Pohakuloa Training Area
-Mentor of the Year: Monte Martin, DPW
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