NMCB 28 Names Shore Sailor of the Year

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 named Yeoman 1st Class (SCW) Angela Morrell the battalion's Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY) for 2005 in February, her fourth SOY award since 1992, in recognition of her outstanding unit support over the past year.

The SOY program, designed to recognize and reward the dedication and performance of outstanding Sailors, allows for one reserve and one active-duty award per unit annually.

Morrell, who is stationed at NMCB 28's Readiness Support Site (RSS) on Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, La., directs the processing of all training orders, handles coordination with Personnel Support Detachment Memphis for pay processing, and liaisons with the local reserve center for travel claim processing. Morrell also plays an essential role in planning for battalion training exercises, handling advance pay and per diem to ensure that troops are able to train without the stress of worrying about financial hardship at home.

Personnelman 1st Class Kevin Kinmon, who shares an office with Morrell, refers to her as the office’s Rock of Gibraltar. He has firsthand knowledge and appreciation for the routine work Morrell does, and notes that she is always willing to do the job at hand, whether it is specific to her rate or not.

"In my opinion, the most important work she's done is to review and finalize evaluations," Kinmon said. "Making sure that we as a battalion are current and correct on enlisted evals is no small task, and she handles it with grace."

According to Lt. j.g. Michael Wilkinson, Morrell has been at the RSS longer than any other active-duty staff in recent history.

"She has been a constant for the battalion, and has become adept at helping the new active-duty staff, who have just rolled in, to get familiar with the area and with their place in the battalion."

Morrell, who hopes to become chief petty officer soon, said she is honored to be again named Sailor of the Year.

"It's good. No, it's great," Morrell said. "I'm hoping this will give me the edge I need, but if not, it still feels good when your work is recognized."

For related news, visit the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nmcb28.