NAS Jax recognizes civilians of the year

"This is probably the most prestigious award I have ever received. When you think about all the people who work here and all the different jobs they do, it's a really, really big honor," said McCool. "I would like to thank the skipper, XO and our MWR managers. Also, the department heads who selected me. It's an honor that they thought so highly of my performance and recognized me for doing a job I absolutely love."

McCool was selected for overseeing numerous special event programs and managing the department's financial business model. He also coordinated a text messaging test site initiated by Commander, Navy Installations Command and prepared the department for a fiscal oversight review which resulted in no major findings.

NAS Jax Fleet and Family Support Center Relocation Specialist Wanda Archer facilitates Ombudsman training at the center. Archer was recently selected as NAS Jax Junior Civilian of the Year.

McCool started working at NAS Jax in 1993 as the director of golf. Five years later he moved into his current position.

"One of the things that is so great about this job is that it encompasses so many different aspects. We have golf, bowling, the marina, childcare -there is something different going on every day, so it makes it very interesting," said McCool.

"And of course we have an excellent staff and managers. I couldn't do what I do without them. A lot of people think we have one of the better MWR programs here and that's because we have such a great staff and such tremendous support from the skipper and XO and all the other commands," he added. "Coming from a sports background, it's all about the team and we have a great team here."

A native of Cleveland, Miss., McCool grew up on a college campus because his father was a college football coach. "I've been around sports all my life," he said.

After earning a Bachelor's degree from Delta State University in physical education and recreation, McCool coached football and basketball. From there, he quickly transitioned into the golf business.

"I entered the PGA Apprentice program and got my PGA card in 1984 and am a life member. I've worked at private golf clubs, and the city of Meridian running their golf operations at NAS Meridian as golf director." McCool and his wife, Claire, have three daughters. In his free time he enjoys playing golf and riding his bicycle.

As for the future, he plans to continue working at NAS Jax for many years to come. "I love doing what I do. I think it's great that we as civilians get to provide a service to our active duty members, their families and retirees. The military, hands down, are the best customers in the world. They always seem to appreciate what we do," he continued.

Archer's first reaction at being selected as Junior Civilian of the Year was simply, "Wow!"

"I think what this has shown me is that people are our number one resource. And if helping people yields this kind of result, how powerful. And the second thing I thought was that teamwork works," she said.

"I learned this acronym in the Navy - team stands for 'together everyone achieves more.' And that's exactly what happened. By receiving this honor, it helps profile our center and what we do here," she continued.

Archer, an employee at FFSC for the past two years, was instrumental in developing several new programs at the center including the Youth Sponsorship program after interacting with NAS Brunswick families and realizing youths were experiencing relocation anxiety.

She also partnered with a local middle school and facilitated life skills workshops to military and civilian students involved in the Adopt-A-School program.

"I'm a working family life consultant so any family that comes through the door with an issue other than the clinical side, I can help them. I can help our clients with sponsorship, help them move their cars/furniture, get the kids in school, house buying, etc.," said Archer.

"I also help with the Exceptional Family Member program, teach life skills classes such as suicide prevention, anger and stress management and train ombudsmen. And, I do a lot of marketing for the center. I love to empower people with knowledge and help our Sailors," Archer continued.

Archer joined the staff here after retiring as a dental technician senior chief with 26 years of naval service.

"It's a big change from what I did in the Navy, but this is my heartbeat. I cannot believe I'm working here. I trained a lot in the military and was probably certified in everything you can get certified in. I was the first master trainer dental technician in the Navy. I love teaching and helping people," she said enthusiastically.

In her free time, Archer has recently earned her Doctorate degree in theology and volunteers with the Department of Corrections helping prisoners transition back into the community.

She is also an intern chaplain at Shands Hospital and is working on her certification for chaplaincy.

Archer says she could never do what she does without her strong faith in God and the constant support of her husband of 27 years, Randy.

"He has traveled with me throughout my career and I couldn't do it without him. I also want to thank my children, Corey and Rendatta, granddaughter, Zocha, my brother, Grant, my sister, Elaine and nephew, Jeremy and my spiritual parents Michael and Connie Smith," she added.

"And I'd like to especially thank my colleagues here including my supervisor, director, the CO and XO and everyone who voted for me. I also want to thank the PAO office because they have been so wonderful getting the word out about our programs so we can better help the families," said Archer.