Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Global Logistics Support (GLS) Commander Rear Adm. James McNeal gave the keynote address at the San Diego chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Gold Coast 28th "Twice a Citizen" Awards at the San Diego Convention Center, Aug. 24.

The awards give recognition to Reservists and National Guard service members who, according to the organization, "are so important to the emerging global war on terror (GWOT)." It is a means for the chapter to recognize that a segment of the population is called upon to serve in unprecedented ways.

"The Navy knows that when Reservist employees are pulled from their civilian employment to serve in military missions, that it does not come without cost and sacrifice to the companies who employ them," said McNeal to an audience of nearly 1,500 attendees.

"The sacrifices employers make, and have been making for some time, are not just for the good of the Reservists you employ," said McNeal. "As a whole, your support makes our Department of Defense more effective and, ultimately, makes our nation stronger."

"Twice a Citizen" Awards started in 2002 to recognize one member of each of the five military Reserve services, as well as the two National Guard organizations, represented in the San Diego region.

In 2006, the chapter decided to focus on the increased intensity of Reserve commitments overseas. The awards were refocused to select four individuals who put their civilian careers on hold and left their families to deploy in support of the GWOT, counter-narcotics and contingency operations.

The Department of Defense relies on a robust and fully trained "part-time," or Reserve component as part of its forces. The U.S. currently has about 1.3 million active-duty military and 815,000 Reserve personnel -- 1,500 are in the San Diego area.

Overall, Reserves make-up about 40 percent of our military personnel across all services.

Currently, there are approximately 20,000 Reserve citizen warriors deployed in an active-duty status.

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.

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