AFDW's Judy Gibson accepts service award from Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley.

Air Force District of Washington’s Judy Gibson, plans and requirements, accepts a certificate from the Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley for the Department of Defense Spirit of Service Recognition Award to acknowledge her outstanding service during an awards ceremony at the Pentagon, May 9. The award honors DOD civilian employees from the National Capital Region who display core qualities of Honor, Integrity and Excellence in their everyday support to the Department. (Courtesy Photo)

Spirit of Service group photo

Air Force District of Washington’s Judy Gibson (fourth from the left), plans and requirements, and Brian K. Halston (fourth from the right), contracting, stand among the 34 public servants from across DOD who received the Department of Defense Spirit of Service Recognition Award at the Pentagon, May 9. The award honors DOD civilian employees from the National Capital Region who display core qualities of Honor, Integrity and Excellence in their everyday support to the Department. (Courtesy Photo)

The U.S. Air Force Band's premier rock ensemble, Max Impact, entertained guests at the Pentagon, May 9.

Following the recognition portion of the Public Service Recognition Week Ceremony, the U.S. Air Force Band's premier rock ensemble, Max Impact, entertained guests at the Pentagon, May 9. According to their website, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated the first week of May since 1985. It is time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world. (Courtesy Photo)

AF civilians capture DOD awards

Published May 16, 2012
By Master Sgt. Raheem Moore
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON -- Two Air Force District of Washington civilian employees received the Department of Defense Spirit of Service Recognition Award as acknowledgement for their outstanding service during an awards ceremony at the Pentagon, May 9.

The award honors DOD civilian employees from the National Capital Region who display core qualities of Honor, Integrity and Excellence in their everyday support to the Department.

AFDW's Judy Gibson, plans and requirements, and Brian K. Halston, contracting, were presented certificates from the Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter and the Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley.

Gibson and Halston have volunteered their time to contribute to causes locally and internationally.

Gibson logged more than 500 community service hours last year contributing to 14 different causes including feeding the homeless, volunteering with the USO, helping the Wreaths Across America program lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, and providing support for Tops in Blue and Operation Welcome Home Maryland.

Halston created, led, and advised a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering social equality in Delhi, India. His organization partnered with a non-governmental organization to implement an educational curriculum for 140 children in an artisan slum colony. He most recently raised more than $10,000 to support women entrepreneurs in creating their own businesses.

AFDW supervisors were proud to see their own honored at the event.

"Brian is a phenomenal asset to this division and the Air Force as a whole. He willingly and eagerly takes on new challenges and success is the only outcome. Brian's quality is always top-notch whether it is in performing his duties in the office or working with non-profit agencies to make the world a better place," said Maj. Paul Babiarz, Halston's supervisor. "Brian is an awesome performer who cares about the work he does, the mission he influences, and the people he affects. This honor he has received highlights what we see every day."

"This award is such an honor and it is humbling to be among such esteemed honorees," said Gibson. "This is what I do. It is not for accolades or recognition. I feel it is my duty to share my blessings and glorify God through service to others."

In all, 34 public servants from across DOD were recognized at the ceremony, which took place in conjunction with Public Service Recognition Week, which ran from May 6-12.

According to their website, Public Service Recognition Week has been celebrated the first week of May since 1985. It is time set aside to honor the men and women who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees and ensure that our government is the best in the world.

[Additional information provided by 1st Lt. Ashleigh Peck, AFDW Public Affairs, Joint Base Andrews, Md.]