The award honors the fidelity and essential service of civilian employees who were killed or sustain serious injury in the performance of their official duties as a result of criminal act, natural disaster, terrorist act, or other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV).
“While Department of the Navy civilians may not be on the front lines, they do face many of the same dangers as our uniformed personnel because of where they work and what they do,” said Mr. Garry Newton, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Civilian Personnel. “It was long past time to make it possible for commanders to fully recognize the service of all department personnel.”
The medal is named for Angela M. Houtz, a DON Intelligence Analyst, who perished during the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
“The recognition the Navy is giving Angie by naming this medal in her honor is an unexpected and overwhelming gift to our family,” said Julie Shontere, Houtz’s mother. “Twenty years after she was killed – her presence is still being felt, her spirit and dedication still remembered, her contributions to the Navy as a civilian still recognized.”
Shontere said she and her husband Joe Shontere, Houtz’s father, were thankful to the Navy “and everyone involved in the process of establishing such a special remembrance of our incredible Angie.”
Houtz’s dedication to service and outstanding moral character are exemplified in a written note found in her desk which highlighted the way she lived her life:
- Always give 100%
- Listen.
- Care about each other as individuals. Be loyal.
- Do not tolerate sloppy, lazy or incomplete work.
- Support your boss. Think ahead.
- Remember your actions reflect on your office as a whole.
- Always strive to be of service. Reject an “it’s not my lane in the road” attitude.
- Work hard, play hard.
- Laugh.
- Be quick to praise.
- Be honest.
Houtz was one of several names recommended to Navy leadership by Naval History and Heritage Command Director, retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, himself a former intelligence officer.
“Considered a ‘shipmate’ by her Navy co-workers, Ms. Houtz’s dedication to service and the Navy makes her an appropriate namesake for this award,” said Cox. “I can attest to her reputation as an exceptionally dedicated and talented Intelligence analyst and civil servant, who displayed uncommon potential for senior leadership. She might one day have been a Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence.”
For more information see the Secretary of the Navy policy memo entitled, “Department of the Navy Angela M. Houtz Medal for Fallen Civilian Employees,” dated Jan. 15, 2021.
From Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ford Williams