A capacity crowd packed into an Installation and Environment Division training classroom to bear witness as Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany employee, Brian Cox, was awarded the Marine Corps Installations EAST 2016 Civilian of the Year commendation in a ceremony, here, recently.

Col. James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, assisted by Sgt. Maj. Johnny Higdon, sergeant major, MCLB Albany, read the citation and presented the award on behalf of the base’s higher headquarters to Cox, work leader, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Section, Public Works Branch, MCLB Albany.

Attendees stood in silence while Higdon read the certificate. An excerpt from the award: “United States Marine Corps, Certificate of Commendation; Commanding General, Marine Corps Installations EAST, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, takes pleasure in commending Mr. Brian J. Cox for exceptional performance of duty while serving as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, work leader, Public Works Branch, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany… signed, T. D. Weidley, brigadier general, commanding general.”

Cox, who credited his work “team” for his gaining MCIEAST’s highest civilian recognition, commented on his selection for the commendation.

“First, I want to say, this never would have happened without the help of everybody in I&E,” Cox said. “We work together as a team, so when we need help we go to each other. Although I was not expecting the award, I feel good about it.

“I want to say, thank you,” he added. “It’s really (gratifying when) people see the work that you’re doing and they’re appreciative of it. This (award) really goes to everybody in Public Works, because we do work as a team; without those guys half of what we do wouldn’t get done.”

Cox’s wife and son were both in attendance for the presentation, and technology allowed his daughter and infant granddaughter, living in Illinois, to remotely witness his receiving the award. The family unanimously expressed how proud they were of his accomplishment and each said, “He is an extremely hard worker, and it is well-deserved.”