By MC2 Michael Ehrlich

Contract and Grant Specialist Riza Gandia, left, and Contracts Administration Specialist Cynthia Vida, right, proudly wear their Meritorious Service Award medals following their receipt of the honor, Oct. 15. Through their efforts in the Contracting and Logistics Management directorate, they have collectively saved NPS more than $3.4 million in interest.

"I was quite surprised to have been awarded the Meritorious Service Award," said Gandia. "I thank God always for his blessings for me and my family. I dedicate myself to give 100 percent and more to any task given to me. I would like to especially thank [Contracting and Logistics Management] Director Patricia Hirsch for trusting and believing in me to be the best at what I do."

NPS Chief of Staff Capt. Anthony Parisi presented the medals noting, "This is a small token of our appreciation. Everything good that happens at NPS comes through your office."

"What an honor," added Vida. "This just goes to show that my hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed."