Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Reserve Unit 406 Chief Yeoman Diana Anderson was selected as one of four winners of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) 2015 "Twice a Citizen" Award Aug. 26.

Each awardee received a check for $1,500. The check and the award certificate were presented at the Navy Gold Coast NDIA awards luncheon in San Diego.

During her career, Anderson spent time at Camp Eggers in Afghanistan and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa where she taught school-age children the English language.

"If the children know how to speak English, they have an advantage," said Anderson. "It sets them up to be successful."

Following her mobilization, Anderson returned to her job as a human resource specialist for Fleet and Family Readiness, Navy Region Southwest. She said she is currently aspiring to be a Big Sister mentor.

"The rewards of volunteering are not tangible; you feel it inside. When you see the results, it is invaluable," she said. "You have to go out and get that, experience it because it's indescribable and there are so many organizations that need help."

The Twice A Citizen Award goes back to 2002 when the NDIA San Diego Chapter initiated a cash recognition program for National Guard and Reserve Component members. In the early years, there were seven awards made with a single award going to a single selectee from each Reserve Component. By the fourth year, the program criteria for selection morphed into a "best of the best" award, regardless of branch of service. In 2006, the award recognized those individuals who put their careers on hold to deploy during the Global War on Terror, counter narcotics and contingency operations around the globe.

"Diana continues a long-tradition of SPAWAR Reserve Sailors," said Capt. Craig Schorr, director SPAWAR Reserve Program. "These are the Sailors who go above and beyond to support our Navy, our Sailors and the fleet."

As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities. With more than 8,900 active duty military and civil service professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering, acquisition and support services that provide vital decision superiority to our forces at the right time and for the right cost.

For more news on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/Pages/default.aspx .

For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.