NEW ORLEANS -- Marines and civilian employees with Marine Forces Reserve received Distinguished Service Awards from the New Orleans Federal Executive Board at the University of New Orleans, May 7, 2014.
The goal of the New Orleans Federal Executive Board is to bridge the gap between the different agencies of the United States Government. This, in turn, helps create effective coordination among the field activities of federal departments and agencies for both military and civilian employees.
The board coordinates an award presentation to recognize the dedication and hard work of federal, state and local government employees each year in May. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to the most outstanding employees in 16 various award categories.
“A lot of the time, government employees don’t receive recognition for their hard work,” said Brandon T. James, the assistant district manager of the New Orleans Federal Executive Board. “The [Distinguished Service Awards] gives us a chance to pat them on the back for all their dedication to their government agency.”
Three Marines and two civilian employees within Marine Forces Reserve received the Distinguished Service Award within various categories. Corporal Jessica M. Thompson, an air-ground task force planner with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, received the Outstanding Military Enlisted Personnel Award. Sergeant Ger Maginnis, a supply administration and operations specialist with 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Outstanding Military Noncommissioned Officer Award. Captain Robert R. Clark, the current operations officer with 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, received the Outstanding Military Officer (Junior Grade) Award. David S. Roberts, the Marine Forces Reserve Force Recruiting and Retention Officer, received the Outstanding Administrative Employee Award. Rodrick M. Robbs, the Marine Forces Reserve Capabilities and Requirements Directorate, received the Outstanding Technical Support Employee Award.
The Marines and civilian employees felt a sense of gratitude because their unit recognized them for their dedication to the Marine Corps.
“I feel honored and privileged that my section would nominate me for an award only given out once a year,” said Thompson. “This award shows that the work I do was noticed, even when I didn’t realize that it was.”
Prior to the award selection, the Federal Executive Board sent out notifications to the individual government agencies. This notification informed the Marine Corps and its units, to select nominees for the categories. Once nominated, the Marines and the civilian employees were selected by a board of judges as each category’s winner.