Albany Resident Robert Eckels Honored with Division of Military and Naval Affairs Adjutant General's Award

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Major Gen. Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York presents Robert Eckels with the Adjutant General's Award on Dec. 19.

LATHAM, NY (12/26/2012)(readMedia)-- Albany resident Robert Eckels, an employee of the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs has been awarded the Adjutant General's Award for his exceptional service to the New York Army and Air National Guard.

Eckels, the Assistant Director of Support within the agency's Administrative Support Directorate, has worked at the Division of Military and Naval Affairs (DMNA) since 1973, when he was hired on as a federal employee of the National Guard. In 1985 he converted to a state employee position-DMNA is staffed by both federal and state employees-and has worked as a state employee since then.

Eckels also served in the New York Army National Guard for 23 years before he retired as a Master Sgt. In 1993.

Eckels was recognized during a December 13 ceremony held to mark the 376th Anniversary of the formation of the National Guard's predecessor, the organized militia, in 1636.

The Adjutant General's Award is the top honor the Division of Military and Naval Affairs presents to civilian employees.

Eckels' "work ethic and spirit of collaboration are instrumental in his work in leading teams identifying and implementing a number of process reengineering improvements which are made necessary by expanding requirements and staff limitations," according to the citation.

"He passionately promotes continues improvement, staff development and customer support," the citation says.

The Division of Military and Naval Affairs is the state agency which has responsibility for overseeing the operations of the 16,000-members of the New York Army and Air National Guard, as well as the 2500-member New York Naval Militia and 1000-member New York Guard, a state defense force.

Eckels and his wife Beebe have two adult children and two grandchildren. His son Bob and Bob's wife Debbie live in Voorheesville with their children Avery and Riley. Bob is an employee of the New York State Board of Elections.

Their daughter Tracy lives in Latham and manages a restaurant.

The most rewarding part of his job, besides his "great staff", is the chance to support the members of the New York National Guard each day, Eckels said.