Ph.D. Candidate in Counseling Awarded 2009 DoD and Blacks in Government (BIG) Military Meritorious Service Award

Lt Col Judith Mathewson, Ph.D. Candidate in Counseling at the Orlando Site, received the Blacks in Government (BIG) and Department of Defense (DoD) 2009 Meritorious Service Award during the DoD Forum and Awards Program, held in Baltimore, MD, from 24-28 August 2009.

Mr. Jimmy Love, Acting Principal Director, DoD Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, presented the 2009 Military Meritorious Service Award to Lt Col Judith Mathewson, Alaska Air National Guard. Lt Col Mathewson was nominated by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute's Dean of Academics, Dr. William T. Yates II and Mr. Felton Page, Director, National Guard Bureau Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights.

Lt Col Mathewson's exceptional efforts in the Global War on Terrorism are truly outstanding and epitomize the core values of the Air National Guard. Her efforts have demonstrated, through her commitment and determination, the inherent truth that America is strongest when all people are able to thrive and succeed in an atmosphere of equity, collaboration, and mutual respect.

Her work in mentoring and promoting the efforts of women and minorities within the Armed Forces at the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, the National Guard and Reserve, and civilian workforce is nothing short of exemplary.

Her 23-year career as both an active duty and drill-status Guard member has spanned from Alaska to Florida and to over 1500 graduates of equal opportunity training throughout the country.

Her community service and volunteer efforts indicate how she leads by example. She supports the warfighter and provides morale packages and assistance to deployed members in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and to those who have returned by developing a 501c (3) specifically for the returned military members and their families. She also counsels military spouses and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy at Barry University, Orlando campus, Miami Shores, FL.