A leading petty officer at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka's Site Atsugi was awarded the 2017 Nippon Zenkokai Association Good Conduct Award based on her dedicated efforts in the local community, May 20.

Hazardous materials expert LS2 Gabriela Herring was one of nine individuals, and seven groups, selected for the prestigious award, recognized during a ceremony held at the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo.

Herring has received recognition for volunteer efforts throughout her life but said the Nippon Zenkokai is the first award from a foreign nation.

"To be recognized by the country of Japan is very humbling and a great honor," said Herring. "To know that I've made an impact in the community is a wonderful feeling."

Through Host Nation Relations Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Herring has volunteered in various events, including the Yamato and Side Fence Clean Up campaigns and several English conversation programs at Terao Elementary School and Kitanodai Junior High.

"With our chaplain's office, I volunteered in the Homeless Ministry and fed some of those less fortunate in our community," said Herring. "I also volunteered with the American Red Cross in a couple of events to bring awareness in the Japanese community about health and casualty preparedness."

Herring has always been drawn to volunteerism, enjoying the sense of altruism that comes from making time to help and giving of oneself.

"My hope is that if enough people see that there are people who care and want to make a difference, then more people will be willing to get out of their comfort zone and make a difference, too," said Herring.

Atsugi Site Director Lt. Jeff Eom said he would like to see more Sailors like Herring actively involved in the local community.

"Caring for our Japanese neighborhood and local community is part of developing a critical mindset that we should all possess while living in another country, which is really our home away from home," said Eom. "Petty Officer Herring's tireless dedication to various volunteering activities within the local community creates such high esprit de corps for being an outstanding citizen, Sailor and leader."

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffery Davis said Herring is one of the star performers.

"LS2 Herring embodies the Navy's core values. She stands out as an excellent role model who represents the high quality of young leaders serving our nation," said Davis. "The Nippon Zenkokai award is a prestigious award that acknowledges not only the dedication and integrity of Sailors who volunteer in the community, but those who want to make a difference in everything they do. I'm proud to have one of our Sailors among those selected this year."

The Nippon Zenkokai Association is an independent non-profit organization under the control of the cabinet office of the Japanese government, which is committed to encouraging the good conduct of people and enhancing warm mutual relationships among members of society.

The Zenkokai Award Ceremony was founded in 1951, and in 1995, the award was opened to honor foreigners who have contributed to the betterment of life in Japan.

NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS). Headquartered just 26 miles south of Tokyo, it is the western Pacific region's largest U.S. Navy logistics command, networking more than 15 sites with a mission to deliver supply and logistics solutions that enable deployed maritime warfighter readiness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

NAVSUP provides U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality-of-life issues for naval forces including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

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