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Congratulations to Kathy Clark, Mary Martin and Maj. David Lewis of WSI - Savannah River Site on being recognized by the Department of Energy (DOE) for their exceptional service.
Kathy and Mary (Training Division) and David (Protective Force Operations Division) were awarded the Secretary of Energy's Appreciation Award, which is designated for individuals making a noteworthy contribution to DOE beyond the scope of their normal work responsibilities.
On May 25 NASA's Phoenix Lander successfully touched down on Mars. The incredibly talented engineers and scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory waited like expectant parents to see their "baby" step out and land safely on a far-away world. Cheers rang out and tears of joy flowed freely when it was confirmed that Phoenix had landed and was working properly.
The professionals who made this happen were able to work in a peaceful environment because of the hard-working WSI Fire and Security professionals behind the scenes. WSI units added staff over the long holiday weekend to handle the influx of national and international media. CNN, the BBC, the Discovery Channel, and Reuters reporters and television crews, to name just a few, competed for precious space to park their trucks. Hundreds of officials from NASA, other governmental agencies and California Technical Institute descended upon the lab as well.
As the vehicles and pedestrians arrived at the same spot simultaneously, the professionals of WSI controlled access points so the media and guests got where they were supposed to be while site security was maintained. In addition, the WSI Fire Department facilitated safe operations of what seemed to be an endless sea of television cables and electronic equipment.
You won't see WSI Fire and Security personnel on television as you watch the images from Mars, but the people who keep the scientists and engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory safe are WSI professionals.
Something extraordinary happened in space this weekend, but nothing out of the ordinary happened at JPL. WSI professionals helped to ensure that things ran smoothly at JPL during this special time.
By Ron Dalton
Congratulations to WSI - Oak Ridge General Manager John Burleson who was among those honored at a recent American Red Cross luncheon in Oak Ridge featuring University of Tennessee Lady Vol basketball coach Pat Summitt.
According to the Oak Ridger, the luncheon was held to honor those who had contributed or raised more than $1,000 or more to the Appalachian Chapter of the American Red Cross in 2008.
Congratulations to the following WSI Nevada Test Site team members who recently achieved these employee milestones:
Promotions: Koni Green, to Captain; and John Whitney, to Sergeant.
Service Awards: Darlene Smith, 20 years; Matthew Becker, 10 years; Christopher Comitini, 5 years.
Welcome aboard to Eddie Ray, who recently joined WSI Savannah River Site as Director of Administration, succeeding Gene McCarthy who has announced his retirement. Ray will direct the oversight of seven departments consisting of more than 60 employees.
Ray retired from the United States Marine Corps in February with over 30 years of service. During his distinguished military career he served in a variety of troop and staff assignments that included leadership positions ranging from squad leader to battalion commander.
His most recent assignment was at Parris Island, S.C., where he directed all telecommunications and information processing technologies and led Marine Corps recruiting efforts for the eastern half of the United States.
Thank you to the WSI - Savannah River Site officers who recently participated in the Special Olympics Flame of Hope torch run in Aiken, South Carolina.
According to the Augusta Chronicle, "About 50 officers from the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, Aiken Public Safety, Wackenhut Security Services and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources" participated in the 10-mile torch run which raises money awareness for Special Olympics.
Thank you to the following WSI - Nevada Test Site team members who recently participated in the 2008 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on May 3:
Cory Adkins, Cathy Bridenstine, Dave Elmore, Brian Harris, Kym Hook, Pat Jimenez, Tania Martinez, Kathie Nangle, Matt Nicholas, Ken Princen, Bruce Radel, Athanasios Tsitinakis, and Tia Wirth.
Proceeds from the event fund breast cancer research.