Chicago-Area Federal Employee of the Year Awards go to NAVFAC Midwest

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- At the Chicago Federal Executive Board's (FEB) annual Federal Employee of the Year awards, a Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Midwest nominee won in the category of Outstanding Technical/Program Support Employee, and a NAVFAC Midwest team won in the Outstanding Team category, June 12.

Randall Schenck, engineering technician, NAVFAC Midwest Public Works Department (PWD) Central, was recognized for managing facility service contracts for 183 Marine Corps Reserve Centers throughout the U.S., that impacted reserve center operations and the quality of life for Marine Corps Reservists.

"Randy is an outstanding team member who constantly works closely with engineers, technicians and contract specialists to support our Marine Corps Reservists across the country," said Jerry Cencula, deputy public works officer, PWD Central. "His knowledge and skills have proven invaluable, and the Marines frequently praise his can-do attitude, his initiative and his ability to get the job done, as well as his cost-saving and time-saving process improvements, his professionalism and his outstanding communication skills."

PWD Great Lakes' Base Support Vehicles and Equipment (BSVE) branch was recognized for safely and cost-effectively supporting many infrastructure maintenance, repair and replacement efforts in an environmentally responsible way on Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. (NSGL). The team also helped support security requirements in Chicago when the city hosted the May 2012 North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit.

"These major undertakings were completed with superior quality, pride and professionalism and demonstrate the teamwork and efficiency the BSVE team is known for," said Scott Wright, NAVFAC Midwest BSVE director.

"I'm so proud of our award winners for the consistent, professional support they provide to our supported commands," said Capt. Rod Worden, commanding officer, NAVFAC Midwest. "These awards show that those efforts are noticed and appreciated by our Sailors, Marines and family members."

In addition, NAVFAC Midwest support contributed to Naval Station Great Lakes winning in the category of Federal Agency of the Year and being recognized for its efforts under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Green Challenge program.

NSGL was recognized for its environmental, energy efficiency and community outreach efforts, including recycling and composting, establishing the Great Lakes Charter School, maintaining excellent child and youth care programs, and hosting award-winning morale, welfare and recreation activities to Sailors and their families.

"This is a huge honor for the base and everyone," said Capt. Randy Lynch, NSGL commanding officer. "All employees should be extremely proud of themselves for a job well done. This was a tough competition with all of the other Federal organizations in Chicago, and we were picked as the best!"

The Chicago Federal Executive Board's Federal Employee of the Year program covers 186 federal agencies and more than 55,000 federal employees in an 11-county metropolitan area near Chicago. The awards, now in their 56th year, recognize outstanding performance and valuable contributions made by federal employees as they serve the nation. More than 500 nominees from 60 federal agencies in the Chicago area competed for this year's awards.

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