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The Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal 2016
The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas.
This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to Patricia Wolfhope, Science and Technology, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For providing outstanding support to more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies in their efforts to find imperiled children resulting in the rescue of 350 children to date.
Patricia Wolfhope, S&T Washington, DC
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to Christopher E. Rohde, U.S. Secret Service, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For excellent service and cross-country collaboration that yielded the second largest U.S. counterfeit seizure in history.
Christopher E. Rohde, USSS U.S. Embassy, Estonia
For exhibiting superior performance that culminated in the delivery of improved operational capabilities, significant cost savings, and innovative approaches to fielding next-generation radiological/nuclear detection.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to Coast Guard Cmdr. James Forgy, Domestic Nuclear Detection Office during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
Commander James Forgy, DNDO Washington, DC
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to Robert E. Ball, Jr. (Posthumously), of Transportation Security Administration, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For superior leadership in partnership building, employee engagement, and mentorship within TSA.
Robert E. Ball, Jr. (Posthumously), TSA Romulus, MI
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to Carlos O. Cantu, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For outstanding work on a class action lawsuit resulting in a favorable outcome and legal victory for CBP against allegations of coercion by U.S. Border Patrol Agents.
Carlos O. Cantu, CBP San Diego
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to the Oglala Sioux Tribal Nation Housing Mission from the Federal Emergency Management Agency consisting of Andrew Lucaciu, Robert A. Ford, Howard T. Endicott, III, John M. Carleton, Kenneth W. Jackson, Victoria R. Childs, Angela C. Lohman, Johnathan M. Torres, Mary Ellen Martinet, Jonathan E. Jackson, Benjamin J. Dillard, Elizabeth A. Luna, Elizabeth I. Essling, Joia E. Moore, Amanda A. Poland, Kristina L. McAlister, Sharlene J. Clarke, Ricardo J. Carrasquillo, Rick C. Morris, Munira Mack, Matthew Rabkin, Abraham Gunn, Edward E. Taylor, Gary R. Stanley, George P. Betz, III, Martin E. McNeese, Alecia L. Morris, Tavares D. Coleman, Terri S. Burleson, Michael J. Greer, Pamela A. Miller, Elizabeth A. McDowell, Paula Y. Mojica, Jason R. Meredith, Carlos A. Bonilla, Linda K. Vargas, Luis Alverio, Sondra S. Crist, Karen D. Brady, Terri S. Burleson, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For exceptional accomplishment in providing new manufactured housing for over 300 households on the Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, in the face of harsh winter weather.
Oglala Sioux Tribal Nation Housing Mission Washington, DC
Andrew Lucaciu, FEMA Robert A. Ford, FEMA Howard T. Endicott, III, FEMA John M. Carleton, FEMA Kenneth W. Jackson, FEMA Victoria R. Childs, FEMA Angela C. Lohman, FEMA Johnathan M. Torres, FEMA Mary Ellen Martinet, FEMA Jonathan E. Jackson, FEMA Benjamin J. Dillard, FEMA Elizabeth A. Luna, FEMA Elizabeth I. Essling, FEMA Joia E. Moore, FEMA Amanda A. Poland, FEMA Kristina L. McAlister, FEMA Sharlene J. Clarke, FEMA Ricardo J. Carrasquillo, FEMA Rick C. Morris, FEMA Munira Mack, FEMA Matthew Rabkin, FEMA Abraham Gunn, FEMA Edward E. Taylor, FEMA Gary R. Stanley, FEMA George P. Betz, III, FEMA Martin E. McNeese, FEMA Alecia L. Morris, FEMA Tavares D. Coleman, FEMA Terri S. Burleson, FEMA Michael J. Greer, FEMA Pamela A. Miller, FEMA Elizabeth A. McDowell, FEMA Paula Y. Mojica, FEMA Jason R. Meredith, FEMA Carlos A. Bonilla, FEMA Linda K. Vargas, FEMA Luis Alverio, FEMA Sondra S. Crist, FEMA Karen D. Brady, FEMA Terri S. Burleson, FEMA
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to the Software Slashers Investigation Team consisting of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement members Carlos Suarez, Scott D. Titus, Jonathan Polner, Rosalinda Estrada, Brian T. Psenak, Robert C. Patterson, Christopher Armstrong, Megan Pollock, Ryder K. Wells, Shawn S. Gibson, Kristin M. Norton, Melissa A. Shanahan, Susan Welsh, Patrick Daly, James C. Bohling, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For exemplary investigation into the selling of counterfeit Microsoft products resulting in the conviction of seven individuals and seizure of $20.6 million.
Software Slashers Investigation Team Kansas City, MO
Carlos Suarez, ICE Scott D. Titus, ICE Jonathan Polner, ICE Rosalinda Estrada, ICE Brian T. Psenak, ICE Robert C. Patterson, ICE Christopher Armstrong, ICE Megan Pollock, ICE Ryder K. Wells, ICE Shawn S. Gibson, ICE Kristin M. Norton, ICE Melissa A. Shanahan, ICE Susan Welsh, DOJ Patrick Daly, DOJ James C. Bohling, DOJ
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to the New York Electronic Crimes Task Force consisting of U.S. Secret Service members Scott G. Sarafian, Timothy R. Benitez, Kristen A. Bell, Robert L. Campbell, James A. Edwards, William A. Figueroa, Shaun Gause, Jenna A. Hall, Eric J. Humbert, Tate A. Jarrow, Kevin M. Kirby, Alyssa D. Krolick, Daniel R. Lerro, Brandon W. McCaw, Christopher A. McMahon, Joseph A. Meeks, Richard R. Pena-Ariet, Kenneth W. Premo, Christopher S. Rasor, John R. Simonello, Ryan J. Verhoef, John P. Wozniak, Tyler J. Yetter, Christopher R. Marrone, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For conducting multiple cyber-crime investigations resulting in extradition of two cyber criminals and conviction of the owner of a prominent digital currency used by cybercriminals.
New York Electronic Crimes Task Force New York, NY
Scott G. Sarafian, USSS Timothy R. Benitez, USSS Kristen A. Bell, USSS Robert L. Campbell, USSS James A. Edwards, USSS William A. Figueroa, USSS Shaun Gause, USSS Jenna A. Hall, USSS Eric J. Humbert, USSS Tate A. Jarrow, USSS Kevin M. Kirby, USSS Alyssa D. Krolick, USSS Daniel R. Lerro, USSS Brandon W. McCaw, USSS Christopher A. McMahon, USSS Joseph A. Meeks, USSS Richard R. Pena-Ariet, USSS Kenneth W. Premo, USSS Christopher S. Rasor, USSS John R. Simonello, USSS Ryan J. Verhoef, USSS John P. Wozniak, USSS Tyler J. Yetter, USSS Christopher R. Marrone, USSS
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to the Ice Criminal Alien Program consisting of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement members Thomas Feeley, Norman L. Parrish, James Brown, Arthur J. Wilson, Jr., James R. Grippo, Peter Fomich, Timothy F. Purdy, Clint Haggard, Robert D. Ellis, Samuel L. Saxon, and Department of Justice members John Dunkelberger, Scott Finley, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For successful completion, over two days, of the largest transfer of foreign born inmates (1,772) from the Bureau of Prisons to ICE custody.
ICE Criminal Alien Program Washington, DC
Thomas Foley, ICE Norman L. Parrish, ICE Arthur J. Wilson, Jr., ICE James R. Grippo, ICE Peter Fomich, ICE Timothy F. Purdy, ICE Clint Haggard, ICE Robert D. Ellis, ICE Samuel L. Saxon, ICE John Dunkelberger, DOJ Scott Finley, DOJ
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas award the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Intel Fusion Center, Living Marine Resource Team members David S. Thurlow, Lt. Bailea J. McMillen, Chief Petty Officer Jason D. Lange, Petty Officers 1st Class Javier A. Beltran, Nicole R. Welfel, Petty Officers 2nd Class Michael Hayias, Derek M. Whittemore, Monica V. King, Bryan R. Schoeppner, Petty Officer 3rd Class John D. Kozloski, and David Pearl, of National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For developing a methodology for finding criminal networks engaged in illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing that is now the U.S. Government's standard, and has been adopted by several other countries.
USCG Maritime Intel Fusion Center, Living Marine Resource Team Alameda, CA
David S. Thurlow, USCG Lieutenant Bailea J. McMillen, USCG Jason D. Lange, USCG Javier A. Beltran, USCG Nicola R. Welfel, USCG Michael Hayias, USCG Derek M. Whittemore, USCG Monica V. King, USCG Bryan R. Schoeppner, USCG John D. Kozloski, USCG David Pearl, NOAA
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas award the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to U.S. Coast Guard's Royal Polaris Rescue Crew Lt. Cmdr. Daniel C. Communal, Lt. Scott T. Verhage, Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Foss and Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Curp, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For rescuing a civilian who suffered a heart attack on a fishing vessel out at sea.
Royal Polaris Rescue Crew San Diego
Lieutenant Commander Daniel C. Comunale, USCG Lieutenant Scott T. Verhage, USCG Brandon T. Curp, USCG Jonathan H. Foss, USCG
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas award the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to National Protection and Programs Directorate Operation Blue Surge team members L. Eric Patterson, Richard K. Cline, Timothy G. Bane, Anthony M. Levey, Cathy C. Long, Mario Morales, Clifford T. Hughes, David S. Thomas, Gilbert N. Russo, Dennis P. Hale, Mario A. Canton, Gabriel R. Russell, Maybelle P. Hallman, Steven Harris, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For safeguarding U.S. government personnel, facilities, and visitors through the implementation of unprecedented nation-wide increased law enforcement visibility.
Operation Blue Surge Washington, DC
L. Eric Patterson, NPPD Richard K. Cline, NPPD Timothy G. Bane, NPPD Anthony M. Levey, NPPD Cathy C. Long, NPPD Mario Morales, NPPD Clifford T. Hughes, NPPD David S. Thomas, NPPD Gilbert N. Russo, NPPD Dennis P. Hale, NPPD Mario A. Canton, NPPD Gabriel R. Russell, NPPD Maybelle P. Hallman, NPPD Steven Harris, NPPD
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas award the Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Secure Mail Team members Sandra J. Zwiener, left, and Eric J. Hittner, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Medal recognizes exceptional individual leadership or service that is distinguished by achievements of marked significance over time to the Department of Homeland Security. This award will recognize a body of work characterized by superior performance related to significant accomplishments, business improvements or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)
For pushing the Secure Mail Initiative to the forefront of mail technology by bringing the system in line with the U.S. Postal Service’s Electronic Verification System.
