Alice Stanton (center), NSF Dahlgren MWR Recreation Director, receives the CNIC NDW 2009 Manager of the Year Award from John Baker, CNIC Director, N9 Fleet & Family Readiness Programs, (right), and Ed Cannon, CNIC Director, N92 MWR Programs, (left), at the CNIC Awards Banquet held Oct. 11 in conjunction with the 2009 National Parks & Recreation Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Receiving such an honor certainly had an effect. ‘‘I was very humbled by it. I have a terrific team of people and have the benefit of strong support from the leadership above me. This award is really a testament to all the great work they do to support our customers,” said Stanton.

As MWR Recreation Services Director at Dahlgren, Stanton is responsible for

supervising the managers and facility recreation teams of the Bowling Center, Mean Gene’s Food Service, Liberty Program, General Library, Auto Skills Center, Outdoor Gear Issue, ITT, Movie Theater, River Range Lounge, Craftech and the special events program. ‘‘We make sure that our sailors and their families have interesting and top quality activities to enhance their quality of life at NSASP Dahlgren,” said Stanton

She’s certainly had lots of time to develop the right programs for the base. Stanton has been an MWR employee ‘‘for thirteen years now, but it has been a labor of love for me,” said Stanton, ‘‘and time just seems to fly by. I truly look forward to coming to work every day.”

Stanton’s award nomination detailed the breadth of work accomplished under her leadership. ‘‘During this fiscal year, Alice and her team have provided services and events to over 95,000 patrons during 21,000 total hours of operation for all of the Recreation Division facilities. The goal of the Recreation Division is to provide leisure programs and activities for ALL authorized patrons and Alice insures that her team of professionals works towards this each day.”

Stanton, whose son recently left for his first year of college, manages to find time outside work to get involved as well. ‘‘I enjoy volunteering in the community by serving on the King George County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and the Board of the Thurman Brisben Homeless Shelter in Fredericksburg,” said Stanton. She also coaches Special Olympics Area 11 track and field and teaches Sunday School for high school students at Potomac Baptist Church in King George.

‘‘On and off the job Alice is the epitome of what every Recreation Director should be and strive for,” the award nomination read. ‘‘Not only is Alice the Recreation Director, she is responsible for all NSF Dahlgren Special Events including concerts, open houses, seasonal fairs and numerous outreach programs to all patrons, adults and children.”

Stanton’s outstanding efforts include introducing several new activities onboard NSF Dahlgren such as the Radio Control Airplane Club, chess tournaments, River Range Olympics and Birthday parties at Craftech. She was also instrumental in securing a grant to enhance Dahlgren Base Library programs. Along with the library manager, Stanton has assisted in the purchase of new computers, books and equipment.

Not unlike many NSASP employees, Stanton has learned the definition of being a ‘‘team player.” She was also cited for her work this year in developing and implementing the games and contests held at this year’s NSF Indian Head Autumn Fest event.

Stanton, however, will not stand on her laurels. There is always a new challenge in her future. ‘‘We want to do whatever our customers may ask us to do and we would also like to do more things that really make a difference in their lives long term. I would also like to start working on activities to support the Wounded Warrior Program,” said Stanton.

Stanton’s award sums up her work performance well. ‘‘Although Alice’s accomplishments seem effortless, she is one of the hardest working team members in the MWR department and puts in many long hours to insure the success of every activity and event.”

Despite earning such an award, Stanton’s pay off isn’t represented by a plaque or award write-up. Most rewarding for her, ‘‘without question,” said Stanton, ‘‘we live to see a smile on the face of a child, a sailor, or any of our customers.”