Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) announced Steven M. Blankman as 2016 Senior Civilian of the Year (COY) and Linda Erickson as 2016 Junior COY at headquarters staff during an award ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP), Feb 14.

Rear Adm. Mike White, commander, NETC, praised the awardees for their consistent effort toward implementing the Navy's training mission.

"Today we recognize the outstanding civilian performers who excel each day providing the Navy training domain with leadership and support," White said.

Blankman, a general engineer in the logistics (N4) division, found solutions for a series of long-standing issues across the NETC domain involving contract support and execution for training equipment maintenance, repair and replacement. By partnering with subject matter experts (SMEs) and policymakers from five commands, his efforts led to new guidance allowing work to be inclusive and expedited.

According to Blankman, the rewarding work he does at NETC is only possible because of teamwork.

"I am proud to have been able to make things easier for our subordinate commands," Blankman said. "But, as is usually the case, I had lots of help along the way!"

Training Readiness Director Charles Bailey spoke highly of Blankman's success in improving maintenance processes.

"With his partnerships leading to the overall cooperation from several commands, we are able to save valuable time, funding and maintenance efforts on NETC training equipment," Bailey said.

Erickson joined the NETC Office of General Counsel (OGC) staff as a paralegal specialist 10 years ago. As the sole paralegal, she researches regulations and laws, reviews prior cases, creates comprehensive files and supports prompt responses to critical issues presented for NETC OGC review.

During the award period, she was lauded for her support during recent attorney turnover in the division and the command Navy inspector general (IG) inspection.

"Ms. Erickson's initiative and continued professional support is invaluable to our OGC team," said Carol Lynch, NETC OGC counsel. "She enables us to provide timely, effective legal advice and assistance to the NETC domain."

When not at work, Erickson uses her planning and organization skills to support veterans' programs through her volunteer work at Warrington Elks Lodge Number 2108. She recalled the assistance her family received from a similar non-profit organization, when, as a child, her sister contracted polio.

"To think that what I, and fellow members as a whole, can do to provide assistance back to others is just awesome to me," Erickson said.

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