Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) recognized its senior and junior Sailors of the Year alongside its senior and junior Civilians of the Year during an all hands call at the headquarters in Virginia Beach, Nov. 24.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Wooddy, recognized as the junior Sailor of the Year emphasized the sound leadership he has received while assigned at NECC.

"It feels good to be acknowledged by a command that is full of proven leaders from many diverse backgrounds," said Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Wooddy, who has been assigned at the command for nearly two years.

Information Systems Technician 1st Class Gloria Blanchard was chosen as senior Sailor of the Year during the ceremony and was surprised at being selected for such an honor.

"I'm at a loss for words, but deeply grateful for being chosen to represent this command," said Blanchard.

During the ceremony, Jim Mason and Lillian King were chosen as Junior and Senior Civilians of the Year.

"I am honored and thankful to be selected for the NECC Civilian of the Year," said King, who serves as the Force Human Capital Analyst and SLDCADA/Defense Civilian Payroll Customer Service Representative at NECC. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do and I love working with people and providing support to management to ensure successful operation of all functions within the NECC Force."

King added that many of her roles and responsibilities are not always in the spotlight, but appreciates the recognition for the service she provides.

"The administrative functions of the position however, important, are not always in the spotlight for everyone to notice," said King, "It is an honor and feels great to be recognized for the work I have done serving the force."

Similar to King, Mason, who was recognized as the junior Civilian of the Year, reflected on the talent and teamwork he has seen while assigned to NECC.

"It is truly an honor to have been selected as the junior Civilian of the Year amongst all the outstanding men and women of NECC," said Mason. "I view NECC as my family, as they welcomed me into its fold just over six years ago, and I look forward to many more years to come. I am blessed to work with such a great team."

Nancy Harned, NECC's Executive Director, who was also recognized for 30 years of dedicated civilian service in the U.S. Navy during the ceremony, reflected on the awardees who were recognized.

"NECC is fortunate to have a great team of dedicated, skilled civilian professionals who are committed to support Navy's Expeditionary Forces," said Harned. "Although I am proud of the contributions of our entire civilian workforce, I am especially pleased to honor Ms. King and Mr. Mason as our Senior and Junior Civilians of the Year. Their accomplishments throughout 2015 exemplify the highest standards of service to our nation."

Similar to Harned, Milly Bassett, Force Diversity Officer at NECC, was also acknowledged for 30 years of service.

"In 30 years I've learned so much about the different areas of the government. One of the aspects in the government that I have learned is the difference between management and leadership," said Bassett, who appreciates leaders recognizing her service.



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