JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Lieutenant, Chaplain, Kristoffer Alexander received the 2018 Junior Officer of the Year (JOY) Award during a luncheon at the Garden State Diner in Wrightstown, NJ., on February 09 from the Lakes and Pines Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).
Alexander, 34, a native of Washington State, was one of seven nominees selected from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst who demonstrated superior performance in mission accomplishment, leadership, military values, and support for subordinates and community. This was the first time since the initiation of the JOY Award (2009) that all five branches of military were represented.
Nominees included Capt. Jonathan Gerhardt, USAF 732nd AS; Capt. William Stallings, USA SA; LTJG Samantha Cardoza, USCG AST; 1Lt. John Novotny, USAF 423rd MTS; LT CHC Kristoffer Alexander, USN 87th ABW; Capt. Austin Thomas, USMC MHHS-772; and Capt. Derek Travis, USAF 32nd ARS.
“It is with a humbled and thankful heart I was even nominated by CAPT Khan and the triad of NSA Lakehurst.” Alexander said, “We have a wonderful team here and it’s been a blessing to have served by their side these last 18 months.”
RDML Rock, Commander of the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region reached out to Alexander stating that this was “No small feat and speaks volumes about your character, leadership and dedication. Thank you for being a rock-star and representing the Navy so well.”
While this is Alexander’s first assignment as an active duty chaplain, he’s not unfamiliar with the importance of military missions and values. In 2003, Alexander deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom with 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th MLG., as a radio operator in the USMCR where he served 8 years.
Upon receiving his call to Naval Chaplaincy, a determined Alexander completed all requirements in just 21 months while receiving the John G. Mitchell Award at his Seminary in Portland, OR. But it’s Alexander’s wife, Mandie who deserves all recognition says Alexander.
“When I’m tired and the voice of fear consumes me,” says Alexander, “she has been right there every time to speak truth into my life. She’s encouraged me and has believed in me more than I ever have of myself.”
The New Jersey Lakes and Pines Chapter was established in 1962 and supports active and retiree benefit programs, advocating for a strong national defense while generating local community support. They meet on the second Saturday of each month at the Garden State Diner at 1200 hrs.