NEW ORLEANS -- Four Marines and one civilian supervisor received Distinguished Service Awards from the Federal Executive Board New Orleans on Wednesday, May 8. They received their awards during a luncheon as a part of the New Orleans Public Service Recognition week sponsored by the New Orleans’ mayor’s office. They were recognized for their contributions and accomplishments as public servants.
Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, won the award for outstanding military flag officer for his work to seamlessly integrate the Reserve and active-duty components in operations and training exercises worldwide. Maj. William S. Chairsell, the operations officer for 4th Marine Logistics Group, was recognized in the category of outstanding field grade military officer. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Frazier, the deputy inspector general for 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, was recognized in the category of outstanding junior grade military officer. Lance Cpl. Joshua P. Kirkman, the senior fiscal/supply clerk for 4th MAW, was recognized in the category of outstanding military enlisted personnel. Darrell Holmes, the 4th MLG program analyst, was recognized in the category of outstanding federal supervisor level 1.
“We should recognize that the dedicated public servant is not striving strictly for personal gain, but … they are working unselfishly for a cause that is bigger than all of us, even at higher ranks and positions,” said Thomas E. Cleveland, the 2013 New Orleans Federal Executive Board chairman.
Hummer commented on the importance of public servants in a thriving society and why they should be commended for their efforts.
“One serves in public or government service because they feel the need and the passion to serve their country, their state, their community and their fellow Americans,” he said. “They enjoy seeing the appreciation on the faces of those they help. They want to make a difference in other people's lives, not just advance their own interests. They sacrifice their time and energy to make others’ lives better and thereby making society better. I salute them.”
He also commended the Marines he commands for their sacrifices not only in warfighting, but in areas such as humanitarian efforts and community relations, as well.
“Those who serve MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH have decidedly made a difference,” said Hummer. “I'm impressed and honored to serve with them. They are America's next great generation.”
According to the FEB, they serve as a catalyst for better, more effective government by strengthening the coordination of government activities. The FEB’s primary areas of focus are emergency preparedness, security and employee safety, workforce and development support, intergovernmental support, interagency collaboration and community outreach. Their annual Distinguished Service Awards are awarded to government employees who have shown exemplary achievements within these areas.