MILLINGTON, Tenn. — William Bonnell of Keyport, serving with the Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic Branch Office Earle, has been named Civilian of the Year for 2015.
The Civilian of the Year program recognizes superior performance of personnel, emphasizing outstanding achievements, exemplary personal conduct and military bearing, and demonstrated initiative in the performance of duty. This program also motivates personnel to strive for improvement in their assigned duties and leadership.
“Attainment of 2015’s Junior Civilian of the Year is an incredible honor for me,” said Bonnell in a press release. “I am proud to be able to serve my command and contribute to the JAG Corps’ mission to bring quality legal assistance to every servicemember, retiree and dependent family member possible. Receipt of this honor is confirmation for me that there is mutual professional pride and admiration between the command and myself.”
As a legal assistant, Bonnell is responsible for independently managing the Legal Assistance Department of Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic Branch Office Earle, providing legal assistance customer services to eligible personnel throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York, as well as facilitating remote attorney legal assistance support for personnel throughout the Northeast region.
“Having found an opportunity to serve the men, women and families who keep our nation safe, my job here at Earle has greatly contributed to my growth both professionally and personally,” said Bonnell. “On the personal front, the opportunity to serve has allowed me to set down roots, get married and develop many friendships throughout the world.
“Professionally, I have been encouraged and afforded many opportunities to learn new and valuable skills, all of which have come to good use when serving my customers, my command and the JAG Corps at large.”
Bonnell, a 1999 Keyport High School graduate and 2006 graduate of Monmouth University, served with the U.S. Navy for seven years.