NAWCWD Attorneys Receive Prestigious Award

By Susan Read, NAWCWD Public Affairs

NAWCWD attorneys John McCollum and Andre Long from the Office of General Counsel (OGC) were recently presented the third highest award to civilians for their outstanding professional contributions to the Navy. Each received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service medal and citation from Ms. Anne M. Brennan, Deputy General Counsel of the Navy at the annual All-Navy Office of General Counsel meeting in May at Arlington, Va.

McCollum, NAWCWD’s Counsel, and Long, an Associate Counsel for NAWCWD, both expressed surprise and humility when their names were called during the awards ceremony. “We are fortunate that our clients show appreciation all the time,” Long said, “but this is also nice coming from our chain of command and management.”

The two are no strangers to dedicated work that benefits the Navy overall. The award recognizes McCollum for his administration of NAWCWD’s Ethics, Patent and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) programs. This award also recognizes several cost-saving efficiency initiatives he led as OGC’s first Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Long’s award is for representing the Navy in significant service contract negotiations and an A-76 competitive sourcing process study.

With 30 combined years of civilian service between them, both men bring a passionate, steadfast commitment to the Navy’s mission. Ironically, each had the childhood dream of becoming a pilot, but McCollum’s eyesight didn’t meet the necessary flight standards for military pilots and Long was encouraged by a teacher to consider studying law because it suited his “argumentative” personality.

Today, they are quick to point out the rewarding aspects of their jobs as government lawyers. “This is the best job for an attorney,” McCollum reports. “You have a sense that you’re contributing to the public good and quality of life. It’s great working with others who are also trying to do the right thing for our country.”

The OGC at NAWCWD China Lake and Point Mugu consists of eleven attorneys and four paralegals who support the Commander and the workforce in areas pertaining to contracts, civilian personnel, environment and range sustainability, fiscal law, ethics, patents and FOIA issues. McCollum encourages personnel throughout NAWCWD to seek out legal advice in those areas, as necessary. “Our office can usually help find a solution that is consistent with legal requirements.”

While the NMCS medal was given for the individual efforts of McCollum and Long, they credit the “most talented paralegal and attorney staff in the Navy” with helping NAWCWD perform its mission in the best way possible, which means in compliance with the law. “Our paralegals Patti Vaughn, Val Hall, Meichelle McGuire and Trudi Slone are exceptionally sharp,” Long said, giving credit also to his colleagues and McCollum for providing an opportunity to tackle new challenges every day. “I love my job!”

PHOTO CUTLINE:

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division attorneys John McCollum (left), head of the Office of General Counsel, and Andre´ Long, Associate Counsel, are the most recent recipients of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award and medal given for their outstanding contributions to the Navy. Photograph by Susan Read, NAWCWD Public Affairs.