MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. – Michael Harris, an Installation and Logistics Department engineering technician and a 17-year employee of the air station, was awarded the MCAS Yuma 2012 Employee of the Year Award Dec. 20.
Harris serves as a project manager and technical civil engineering specialist.
He has made significant contributions to MCAS Yuma's mission due to his knowledge in a wide range of concepts, principles and practices in engineering and construction management.
His proactive work ethic, positive attitude and natural leadership abilities were instrumental in the completion of sixty-six facilities repair, construction and maintenance projects and two energy conservation projects that reduced power consumption in annual electrical costs.
“This award, to me, represents the fruit of the philosophy that is taught from the top to the bottom at I&L that says we are here for more than just picking up a paycheck,” said Harris to banquet attendees after receiving his award. “If we can make the lives and the mission of the men and women who serve our country a little easier, if we can make their off duty hours a little more comfortable, then we have reached our goal. We realize we are here for you. So, hopefully this award can speak a little bit towards that dedication. We want to thank you.”
The Incentive Awards Program was modified October 2011, implementing new initiatives for awarding civilian employees. This awards process names an MCAS Yuma Employee of the Quarter every three months. At the end of the year, these four outstanding employees then face off at the end of the year for the Employee of the Year Award. 2012 was the first year this award was presented.
“I want to encourage everyone to continue working hard and continue doing great things,” said Col. Robert Kuckuk, MCAS Yuma’s commanding officer. “There are so many who deserve to be recognized … It never ceases to amaze me how much work is done on station every day.”
“I would like to say good job for the rest of our department,” stated Harris. “We put that high standard out there that it’s not just about us. It’s about giving back to those who give so much to our country.”