Carlos Moore, a housekeeping aide in Environmental Management Service, was named the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DCVAMC) Employee of the Year 2007 during an employee recognition ceremony at the Washington DC VA Medical Center on April 25.

Medical Center Director, Fernando Rivera, presented the award along with a $3,000 check to a surprised Moore who was chosen from among the 12 Employee of the Month winners.

"Mr. Moore is an example of excellence; he sets high standards, works relentlessly to achieve those standards and always maintains a positive attitude," Mr. Rivera said. "We have 2,000 exceptional employees here, and Mr. Moore is the best of the best". Mr. Moore was nominated by the staff of inpatient medical unit 3EA where works.

Mr. Moore, who has worked for the Medical Center for two years, is no stranger to hard work. Before he begins his midnight to 8:30 a.m. shift at DCVAMC, Moore works from 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Children National Medical Center, right across the street. He describes his days as "busy, very busy".

"My mother, father and grandmother taught me about having a good work ethic," Moore said. That good work ethic and positive attitude serve him well during his long work hours. "You just can't think about how tired you are when people are counting on you," Mr. Moore said.

He credits his family for helping him stay focused in spite of the long days and evenings. He has three children, Mariah, Maurice and Cortanee, as well as two step-children, Kazuel and Leondre. Moore plans to put the award money away to help finance their college educations. His step-daughter, Kazuel, has recently been accepted to St. Johns University.

In spite of the recent accolades, Mr. Moore remains humble saying a lot of the credit for his award should go to the Environmental Management Staff and especially, Cornelius Woods and Bennie Williams for their encouragement and support.

Also honored at the ceremony were the 2007 Employee of the Month winners: Troy Campbell, Lyvouch Filkoski, Alma Love, Erin Goheen, Delores Williams, Tiffany Brake, Janice Zarrabi, Herbert Perry, Linwood Ringgold and Shirley King.