FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
"It takes courage to become a good leader. You have to be fearless enough to take risks, but also learn from your mistakes," said Lolethia D. Gordon.
After 20 years of military service as a U.S. Army human resources specialist Gordon currently serves as the U.S. Army Medical Command Human Resources Division chief at Fort Eustis' McDonald Army Health Center, she leads her division through hard work, dedication and exceptional leadership.
"I believe my past Army experiences have prepared me for higher levels of leadership," she said. "They have helped me to develop into a strong, compassionate and confident leader. Over the years my military training has enabled me to deal with difficult situations."
Gordon's effectiveness as a leader earned her MEDDAC's Lt. Col Karen Wagner Leadership Award.
The award, named in honor of an Army officer killed during the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon, is presented annually to recognize individuals who demonstrate traits of leadership, professionalism, technical competence and customer service.
"Receiving this award is one of the most incredible experiences of my career as a Soldier or civilian employee," she said. "I couldn't have accomplished anything without my amazing staff. I'm thankful for all the support that they have given me while serving as the MEDDAC HR Chief."
Since 2008, Gordon has worked as a civilian employee supporting MEDDAC by providing HR support to Soldiers and civilians at MCAHC. She also manages HR and finance support for Alpha Company of the post's Warrior Transition Unit and oversight to the Community-Based WTU at Fort Story in Virginia Beach.
According to Gordon, her staff received six commendable ratings during the Northern Regional Medical Command Fiscal Year 2012 Organizational Inspection Program and received 98 percent rating during the WTU Defense Finance and Accounting Service Finance Inspection. This rating established the command as one of the best WTU Finance operations throughout DFAS.
"Her technical expertise has made her a trusted advisor on all personnel matters," said Maj. Jeffrey Shaw, duty commander for administration. "Ms. Gordon is a great role model to all Soldiers and civilians. Her 'can do' attitude and work ethic is contagious and it allows her division to perform at their highest level."
Shaw said Gordon's technical competence has been proven time and again. In addition, her section received "all greens" in all 42 HR sections during NRMC's Staff Assistance Visit Inspection for tracking personnel action. On July 17, 2012, the section was simultaneously inspected on the Electronic Military Personnel Office operation and received a 100 percent from the Installation Military Personnel Office.
Under Gordon's leadership, her division has accomplished a myriad of HR milestones and has been recognized for several record achievements.
Through it all, Gordon has continued her commitment to excellence and her leadership has left a blueprint for success.
"Most importantly I'd like to thank the Soldiers who we serve for their dedicated service to our nation," she said. "Without them none of us would be doing what we do."