U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton recognized the exceptional contributions of civilian employees and soldiers at its Fiscal Year 2025 First-Quarter Awards Ceremony on April 11. The event, held at the Fort Hamilton Community Club, celebrated the hard work and dedication of both military and civilian personnel, strengthening the garrison’s readiness and morale.
Celebrating Service and Excellence
Garrison Commander Colonel Melissa Cantwell presided over the ceremony, acknowledging milestones and extraordinary performances by Fort Hamilton staff. The event highlighted individuals who have made significant impacts in their roles, from long-term service to exceptional leadership.
30-Year Service Recognitions
Kevin Thomas and Paul Smaw were honored with 30-year service certificates and pins, marking three decades of federal service. Their commitment and expertise have played a pivotal role in the success of Fort Hamilton’s mission.
Peer-to-Peer Service Awards
The garrison also presented Peer-to-Peer Service Awards to nine employees for their outstanding contributions during the first quarter of 2025. Award recipients included:
- Christina Fijalkiewicz
- Keviana-Joy George
- Donovan Harris
- Yavier Julio
- Nicole Lopez
- Renzo Rosas
- David Russell
- Lisa Sheehan
- Kevin Thomas
These individuals were celebrated for their consistent dedication and exceptional performance.
Certificates of Appreciation
Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Garth St. Clair, Juan Rivera, Deforest Torres, and James Ng for their outstanding service between January and March 2025. Their efforts were recognized as instrumental to Fort Hamilton’s overall success during the quarter.
Leadership Recognition
Roberto Coman received a Certificate of Achievement for his exceptional leadership within the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security. His efforts in numerous meetings ensured the garrison’s mission readiness was maintained.
Officer Jose Madera also received a Certificate of Achievement for his exemplary professionalism, initiative, and leadership beyond his assigned duties. His commitment to excellence has set a high standard within the garrison.
Civilian Service Achievements
Adrianna Mitchell was awarded the Civilian Service Achievement Medal as the Non-Supervisory Civilian Employee of the Quarter. Her unwavering dedication and performance were key to the garrison’s operations in the first quarter.
Kenneth Kong, who earned the same medal as Supervisory Civilian Employee of the Quarter, was also recognized for his exemplary service and leadership. His contributions have been integral to the garrison’s success.
Rose Perez, an Equal Employment Specialist, received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal for her leadership throughout 2024. Perez organized several training sessions that fostered a culture of respect and inclusion within the garrison.
Roderick O’Connor, Supervisory Attorney-Adviser in the Installation Legal Office, was awarded the Civilian Service Commendation Medal for his outstanding legal guidance in 2024. His efforts in building strong relationships with clients and stakeholders were pivotal to Fort Hamilton’s operations.
Army Achievement Medals for Exceptional Leadership
Staff Sgt. Natasha Mason was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for her leadership as the Religious Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer from February 26 to March 6, 2025. Mason was recognized for her coordination of workspace preparations for incoming federal employees, ensuring their smooth transition into the garrison.
Staff Sgt. Rafael Rodriguez also earned the Army Achievement Medal for his successful organization of an Army Community Services employment fair on November 1, 2024. His efforts strengthened the garrison’s relationships with local, federal, and state employers, enhancing career opportunities for the military community.
Strengthening Morale and Readiness
These recognitions reflect Fort Hamilton’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and readiness. The garrison’s leadership emphasized that such events not only celebrate the achievements of individuals but also contribute to the overall morale and operational efficiency of the entire team.
Fort Hamilton’s First-Quarter Awards Ceremony highlights the importance of recognizing both long-term service and exceptional achievements, ensuring that staff members are motivated and prepared to continue their important work. As the garrison continues to support the broader military mission, the contributions of each individual play a critical role in sustaining its success.
