Top security professionals recognized by NNSA

  • Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2018, 10:38 am

Neal Wolfenbarger, right, accepts the NNSA Security Manager of the Year award from NNSA Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security David B. McDarby at an awards ceremony at the Y-12 New Hope Center.Neal Wolfenbarger, right, accepts the NNSA Security Manager of the Year award from NNSA Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security David B. McDarby at an awards ceremony at the Y-12 New Hope Center.

With a nickname like “Wolf,” Neal Wolfenbarger was bound to be a key player in Y-12’s Protective Force Operations. A recent NNSA security award confirms that assessment.

Wolfenbarger was recognized, along with Y-12’s Meghann Parrilla, at a June 7 ceremony at Y-12’s New Hope Center, where they were joined by their families and co workers. Wolfenbarger received the NNSA Security Manager of the Year award, and Parrilla received the NNSA Bradley A. Peterson Contractor Security Professional of the Year award.

NNSA Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security David B. McDarby presented the awards, telling Parrilla and Wolfenbarger, “For what you have done, thank you, continue to do it, and motivate others to do it.”

Pantex security personnel also received an NNSA award that acknowledged their excellence and dedication to national nuclear security and their contributions to NNSA security programs.

The Pantex Security Posture Change Working Group won the NNSA Security Team or Group Award. Team members included Richard Belott, Randy Boone, Jeff Collins, Dwayne Cunningham, Daniel Holmes, Kirk Kelley, Byron Logan, Dunnigan McWhorter, Matthew Mullins, Jeff Oldham, Mike Stumbo, and Zeb Wilson.

Holmes, part of Pantex Protective Force Operations and Training, said, “Safeguards and Security works tirelessly to protect our Pantex family and assets entrusted to us. Recognition of our efforts to implement a modern protection strategy that helps us complete our mission is very rewarding. Our recognition is only possible because of the many men and women who protect our site day and night. We have amazing people that stand guard in all conditions and all hours no matter what. We would not be able to accomplish anything at Pantex if it wasn’t for their diligence.”

Award presentation arrangements are being made for the Pantex team.

At the Y-12 ceremony, NPO Assistant Manager for Safeguards and Security Arnold Guevara congratulated the recipients and remarked on their commitment to tasks and distinguished efforts.

“Every time I see Meghann and Wolf, I thank them,” Guevara said. “You have got a glow on you now that shines on CNS, DOE, and NPO. This is a milestone for us.”

For Senior Director of Y-12 Safeguards and Security Tom Hayden, the awards confirm CNS’s commitment to excellence.

“I think the award itself signifies excellence in the nuclear security profession and it reinforces what we as a company view as one of our core values,” Hayden said. “It is exciting for the CNS security team to see these talented professionals recognized for their hard work, talent, and commitment to excellence. Each award recipient represents all of us in S&S and we are proud of their accomplishment and the example they set for all of us.”

Meghann Parrilla accepts the NNSA Bradley A. Peterson Contractor Security Professional of the Year award from NNSA Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security David B. McDarby at an awards ceremony at the Y-12 New Hope Center.Meghann Parrilla accepts the NNSA Bradley A. Peterson Contractor Security Professional of the Year award from NNSA Deputy Associate Administrator for Defense Nuclear Security David B. McDarby at an awards ceremony at the Y-12 New Hope Center.

The Pantex Security Posture Change Working Group is recognized with the NNSA Security Team or Group Award. The award presentation will be scheduled for a later time.The Pantex Security Posture Change Working Group is recognized with the NNSA Security Team or Group Award. The award presentation will be scheduled for a later time.

Phil Collins, part of the Pantex Security Posture Change Working Group, is recognized along with the rest of his group for winning the NNSA Security Team or Group Award. The award presentation will be scheduled for a later time.Phil Collins, part of the Pantex Security Posture Change Working Group, is recognized along with the rest of his group for winning the NNSA Security Team or Group Award. The award presentation will be scheduled for a later time.