MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- For Jeanne R. Hawthorne, coming to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in 1997, was a big shock from what she was accustom to in Washington D.C.
Hawthorne recently received an award for her “outstanding service and professional accomplishments” while she served as the deputy director for Operations and Training with Marine Corps Installations – East and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from January 1997 through December 2008.
The award ceremony was held July 29, on the commanding general’s quarterdeck in Lejeune Hall where Col. Richard P. Flatau Jr., the base commander, presented Hawthorne the Superior Civil Service Award for her many years of service.
“Being able to give her this award is a tremendous honor and privilege,” said Flatau. “She was absolutely unflappable. It didn’t matter what I sent to her by e-mail or if I came running down to her office or called her over the phone, it was always ‘yes sir.’ I appreciate very much her positive outlook on things and her sunny demeanor. It’s great to have people like her around you, even when you aren’t having such a sunny day yourself.”
Hawthorne’s leadership, initiative, experience and knowledge all played significant roles in the success and accomplishments of missions within both commands, as well as helped to develop invaluable training facilities, which were in direct support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.
Hawthorne retired in December and had no idea about the award until recently when she was told it would be presented to her.
“I was totally shocked,” said Hawthorne. “It really means a whole lot, it’s a motivating thing. It makes you feel good as a civilian to be able to rub elbows and shoulders with Marines and think that maybe you’re doing something to help them and make the Corps better.”