To Whom It May Concern,

This is a letter of recommendation for Ms Shelby Magnuson-Hawkins. Ms Magnuson-Hawkins served as the Lead Pest Control Specialist, Raytheon Services Nevada (RSN) Johnston Atoll Operations from June 1995 to December 1995. In this position she was responsible for the development and implementation of the entire island-wide pest control and management program. My positions is that of Director of Operations, Johnston Atoll. As the Director of Operations, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of this remote island.

Johnston Atoll is a small, isolated group of islands about 800 miles west-southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. Johnston Island, the largest of the four islands is approximately one-square mile in area and its composition is dredged and crushed coral. This composition makes the ground very permeable to fluids or chemicals. Since no natural fresh water is available on the island, all fresh water is made by reverse osmosis by drawing water up from the aquifer. Any substance that might contaminate the aquifer can't be used on the island. The main mission of Johnston Atoll is the demilitarization of chemical weapons. In order to protect the workers on the island a Red Blood Cell Cholinesterase (RBC-ChE) baseline determination is made, for all workers on the island. Therefore, the use of any chemical that would influence the RBC-ChE results, such as organophosphate based insecticides, is prohibited.

During the short time Ms Magnuson-Hawkins was on Johnston Atoll she did a superb job of not only decreasing the population of termites, roaches, and other pests, but preventing their return with a remarkable long-term treatment methodology. This treatment methodology saved the Government several hundred thousand dollars, when compared to traditional fumigation methods, and used a environmentally safe chemical regimen that did not contaminate the aquifer or affected the RBC-ChE readings from our island workers. Additionally, her program created four pest-free structure zones and virtually eliminated pests from the island's sewer system. In short, her pest control and management program did an excellent job, was very cost effective, and created a healthier environment for the island population.

In summary, I believe Ms Magnuson-Hawkins made a tremendous positive impact on the health and welfare of Johnston Atoll. She was a model citizen, who is welcome back anytime, and an excellent worker whose work ethic is above reproach. I strongly recommend Ms Shelby Magnuson-Hawkins for any leadership or management position dealing with pest control and management. Her work is simply outstanding. If you require further information or need to speak with me about her work, I can be reached at (808) 622-4258, Monday through Friday, 7:30AM to 5:30PM, Hawaii time.