September 22, 2015 --
Marine
Corps Logistics Base Albany officials bid farewell to a civilian-Marine who has
devoted more than 29 years of her work career to several departments and
branches aboard the installation.
Annette Williams,
financial management analyst, Accounting Branch, MCLB Albany, was greeted by
her friends, colleagues and base officials at a ceremony held in her honor in
the Carson Conference Room, Coffman Hall, Sept. 22.
Col.
James C. Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, assisted by Kent
Morrison, executive director, MCLB Albany, presented Williams with an American
flag, which flew over Coffman Hall on her behalf as well as other certificates
honoring her years of service to both MCLB Albany and Marine Corps Logistics
Command.
“Thank
you all for being here on this incredible occasion,” the commanding officer
said. “I hate to say to bring to a close, but to celebrate 29 years of
faithful and honorable service in the federal government. Ms. Williams, we want
to thank you so very much for all you have done for us here, not only for the
base but also on behalf of the leadership here at
LOGCOM, Maj. Gen. (Craig) Crenshaw, Mr. (Michael) Madden and the entire staff
over there.
“We also
know that not only are you very active here but also in your church and in your
community,” Carroll added. “Congratulations. We hate to see you leave, but we
know that this is a celebration of your efforts and your 29 years of honorable
service. You’ve been an awesome team member here. Just because you’re leaving,
you’ll always be a part of the family here at MCLB Albany, so please come back to
visit at any time.”
Williams’
supervisor, Patricia Cowling, financial management analyst, Comptroller Office,
Accounting Branch, MCLB Albany, commented on her professional and personal
relationship with the honoree.
“I have
known Ms. Annette since 1988 and became her supervisor in the Comptroller
Office, Accounting Branch in 2010,” Cowling said. “Under my supervision, she is
dependable; meets deadlines; very responsible and reliable. She is very
cooperative and works in harmony with others.
“Ms.
Annette never met a stranger,” Cowling recalled. “She loves to talk, cook and (in
a low voice) sings her hymns while working at her desk. Ms. Annette will be
missed and will be carrying with her 29 years of what we refer to as ‘old
knowledge.’
“Even
though, I am Ms. Annette’s supervisor, I consider her as a friend,” Cowling
continued. “She is a person who always puts God first. She won’t do anything if
she is not sure about it; she will boldly tell you that she has to pray and
talk with the Lord about it, no matter what it involves. I admire the way she
loves spending time with her family, working with the community and her church.”
Other co-workers
shared their work history, what they remembered most about Williams and what
they will miss about her once she leaves the department.
“I have
worked with Ms. Williams over 17 years,” Greg Barnetson, financial management
analyst, Risk Evaluation and Analysis Branch, MCLB Albany, said. “She has been
my mentor both professionally and personally; she has been a co-worker; she has
been an angel, (watching) over me at times and she is like a second mother to
me. I can tell her anything. She and I bounce different things/ideas off of
each other.
“With
Annette leaving, there will be a vast (amount) of knowledge that is going out
of the door with her — 29 years, so you know the office will falter a little,”
Barnetson admitted. “She has been instrumental in getting reports out for
Accounting and mentoring me and different other people in the office. She will
surely be missed.”
Jackie
Jones, financial management analyst, Comptroller Officer, Accounting Branch,
discussed her three-year work history with Williams.
“I have
worked with Ms. Annette three years,” Jones recalled. “I would characterize Ms.
Annette — as a co-worker — very knowledgeable; as a person, very straight
forward. Coming from an Army background to a Marine Corps background, the
terminology was very different for me; however, Ms. Annette was able to explain it to
me where I was able to relate (to) it and she was very patient. She has notes
from 10 years ago and she pulled some (of) them and made examples for me to
where I could understand it. She was a great trainer; she was also my lead.
“Ms.
Annette is like a second mother to me,” Jones added. “She has been very inspirational to me; she
always encouraged me; she was a mentor. She is well-known for her work in the
community and in her church. At lot of people on the installation look up to
her for guidance and inspiration. She will truly be missed.”
Williams
offered parting words of encouragement and advice for her co-workers and
friends.
“Just be
grateful and be thankful; keep God in front and he'll do the rest,” she
advised. “Keep a positive attitude; maintain
your faith and your respect. That is what I would like to leave with them.”