U.S. Navy Personnel Specialist First Class Petty Officer Krista-Gaye M. Simmons and U.S. Navy Yeoman Second Class Petty Officer Horatio L. Edwards were recognised January 6 for their selection as 2012 Outstanding Senior and Junior Military Members of the Year, respectively, during an awards ceremony held at Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT).

Both service members were recognised for their outstanding service and dedication to Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and the mission of the NATO Alliance.

Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, French Air Force General Stephane Abrial presented Simmons and Edwards with a plaque and a coin.

Simmons and Edwards were also recognized by ACT Senior Enlisted Leadership, the U.S. Navy League, and NATO Festival Committee.

Simmons, who has 12 years in the U.S. Navy, works in ACT’s Military Personnel Section (MPS) as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO). She is responsible for a variety of administrative work, such as internal processes efficiencies to support the 750 NATO personnel from 28 Allied Nations and 25 divisions. She also served as the Budget & Finance Travel Section LPO, where she supervised 4 junior enlisted personnel and a $15 million annual travel budget, leading to the expert processing of 75-100 highly complex travel orders/vouchers per week to locations around the world and throughout Europe in support of HQ SACT mission requirements.
“This is a very prestigious award and I’m very honoured to be selected from the most professional enlisted military personnel at NATO,” said Simmons.

“I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities to not only serve as an ambassador for NATO, but also to illustrate the fine quality of people the military has in its ranks. I am looking forward to the challenges that come with this outstanding achievement and to be leaving a clear path for those who will ultimately follow.”
Edwards, an administrator for Strategic Analysis, has managed a myriad of administrative and logistical duties including travel claims, travel and supply budgets and procurement. He has also tracked over 250 ACT level taskers, while managing a rigorous schedule of events in support of 40 multinational and joint personnel.
“It’s an honour to be noticed for upholding the high standards of the military and for being the most outstanding member of SACT,” said Edwards.

Both members competed against several of their peers and had to go through a selection process that encompassed uniform presentation, board presentation while answering questions for a panel of senior international non-commissioned officers, chain of command recommendations and contributions to the Alliance.

“This is a great opportunity for us to recognise the outstanding work and dedication of our non-commissioned officers,” said U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Cheryl Elliott, ACT senior enlisted advisor. “Service members like Petty Officer Simmons and Petty Officer Edwards set the example, and are an integral part of the success of the mission of the Alliance. It is truly our pleasure to recognise these fine individuals.”