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WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE - Ana Zortman, chief of the training division at the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security at White Sands Missile Range, was nominated for an award that spotlights outstanding support to the National Guard and the Army Reserve.
"I'm honored, I can't believe it. I can't thank them enough for their selfless service and for the freedom for our nation," Zortman said.
From the nominations, three finalists will be chosen during an April 7 luncheon in Albuquerque, one of whom will go on to win the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award 2011.
According to Zortman, her care and concern for soldiers comes from years of being an Army wife. Zortman said she knew that with proper training her then-husband would have a better chance of returning from his assignment.
"I wanted to be a part of training them to come back," Zortman said
In 2005 Zortman played a key role in a pilot warrior transition course that trained former military members who either wanted to re-enlist or change services. The program went so well it was moved from the National Guard to the active Army.
"Of my eight employees, four are either in the Guard or the Reserve. I've never given them a hard time about their duty. In fact, I welcome it," Zortman said. "I can't believe some sites would give these guys a hard time, I mean they're serving our country."
The two employees who nominated Zortman are Lt. Col. Javier Rivera, a reservist, and Sgt. 1st Class Ed Stahl,
"It feels really nice, I appreciate my guys and I guess they appreciate me, too," Zortman said.
At times Zortman said she has had to deal with a large percentage of her staff being gone due to duty order. However, Zortman said the department continues to work seamlessly because of the care and concern the organization has for its employees.
"They're a real close-knit group and they cover for each other just like they do in the Army," she said. "They pick up the slack when the others are gone - without a complaint."
Zortman, Gerry Veara (the director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security), Stahl and either Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Wicker or Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Glenn Robinson will travel to Albuquerque to attend the luncheon that will honor the top three organizations and supervisors.
"I didn't even realize the nomination even existed. If I had known we would have done something a long time ago," Veara said.
Veara said he believes the organization has a high level of support for the Guard and Reserve because of Zortman's flexibility with work duties, and as an organization the trainings never conflict with any WSMR missions.
"She's just really generous ... anything having to do with taking care of soldiers, she does it," Veara said.
"What's Up at White Sands" is a weekly feature provided by White Sands Missile Range. This week's feature was written by Adriana Salas of the Missile Ranger.
