So, my friends, the retirement party and all the post activities are completed and the events are now logged into our memory banks.  What an outstanding celebration of Gary's career of over three decades with the Federal Government.  To have our family and friends present to hear and more clearly understand the numerous contributions Gary has made to the Navy Nuclear Reactors Program for the Department of Energy carried with it an enormous feeling of gratitude and pride....and that was only my perspective! 

I'd like to be more specific with the awards and honors he received in order that you might perhaps see a glimpse of what he has accomplished in his career.  So here goes:  recognition of Gary's accomplishments:

He set up an Accounts Payable process in 1982 that related to work with a major Virginia vendor and that particular process is still being used today.  This fact was written into many letters Gary received as awards at the dinner.

He and his staff never had an audit finding since the audits began in 1986.  This fact is unheard of and was quoted by several speakers last night. 

Gary was the first ever recipient of duel excellence medals from the Bettis Atomic Laboratory in Pittsburgh and the Knolls Power Atomic Laboratory in Schenectady, NY.

He was awarded a silver medal for Distinguished Service from the National Nuclear Security Administration in D.C.

Gary received a letter from  Four-Star Admiral Kirkland Donald of the U.S. Navy to congratulate Gary on his accomplishments along with an autographed picture of the USS Maine.  Gary spent five days and four nights aboard that submarine on a VIP tour several years ago.

He was presented a United States flag that was flown over NR Headquaters at the Washington Navy Yard in his honor for his 34 years of dedicated service.

And then he was informed that an award had been established that will be given annually by the Department of Energy's Chief Financial Officer.  That award has been named the Gary A. White, Do It Right Award!  Gary has been asked to be part of the selection team and to present the award personally next Spring.

To add to the list of unforgettable moments, Nicholas and Kimberly also participated and completely surprised their dad.  Gary's staff had contacted the kids via email to ask if they would show the audience of mainly co-workers the "dad" side of Gary. 

Kimberly tackled the assignment by creating a video that included pictures of the kids from birth until present day.  Music accompanied the video and all in the audience thoroughly enjoyed seeing Gary's various appearances from long hair and a bushy mustache to present day.  She captured her dad creatively as all were touched by her gift of love.  Nicholas, who gave the invocation, gave a speech that actually "roasted" his dad a bit, but was overwhelmingly received by all in attendance.  We laughed until we cried at the hiliarous adventures Nicholas recited as he recalled growing up in our household with Gary at the helm ending his speech with various items Gary has written on a list of "Things My Dad Told Me Before I Left Home."

I was blown away before the end of the night when I was called to the podium and received from the Admiral a letter that was a certificate of appreciation from the Director, Naval Reactors that cited appreciation for my service in devotion to my husband in aiding his contributions to the Navy and the Nation.....amazing.  I have seen wives of military personnel receive this letter, but to be able to count this among my little contributions was overwhelming.

So, there you have it.  An amazing night honoring an amazing man.  Gary's family (including the kids and me) were blown completely out of the water as we truly recognized the depth of the work Gary has been involved in over these past three decades.  Although we have only been in his office, at the most, twice due to the security measures taken, we realized he is an accomplished "soldier" that has made countless contributions using the gifts God has given to him.  We do give God all the honor, the glory and the praise.  And I am truly thankful for these blessings and for the man of my dreams, the father of my children and a man who will now be honored each year for "doing it right"...what a legacy to leave to your children and generations to come....thanks for taking me on the ride of my life.  I love you, Gary.