One of our local residents who has for many years worked behind the scenes in various capacities in our national security interests came out of the cold into the limelight when she received on June 12, 2011 a letter commendation from the Governor of Virginia, the Honorable Robert F. McDonnell.

Dr. Carol Evans was personally thanked by Governor McDonnell for, quote, "helping to ensure that the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to maintain a robust capability to prevent, respond and recover from any challenges affecting the safety and security of our citizens."

The personal recognition followed many years of work nationally and internationally, and specifically in those parts of Virginia and the National Capital Region that are vulnerable to various threats. The Governor reflected on the recent multi federal agency, local and state organizations involved in a large scale exercise in the greater Norfolk area that covered multiple threats. The Governor went on to say of Dr. Evans, quote, "Your leadership during these stages of the exercise was crucial in conducting and evaluating this complex and demanding initiative."

We can all sleep more easily in our beds knowing that our local Carol Evans is out there running things. As a former member of the CIA STAP appointed by several Directors of the CIA, she is a professional of the highest caliber, who also sat on the Defense Science Board. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Virginia State Police have likewise commended Carol who worked increasingly before 911, and long before Osama Bin laden became a household name, to protect the United States from various threats to out national security.

In an interview with her husband, Dr. Anthony Wells, he stated that Carol is far too modest to ever blow her own horn, and reminded us that she had been a voice in the wilderness calling for the elimination of Bin Laden long before the East Africa embassy atrocities, and that she has worked with the FBI team that tracked down the USS Cole attack perpetrators, as well as working with the SEALs in several special events.

Tony told us that this is about as far as he could go without crossing security boundaries. He said that the entire extended Evans-Wells family is very proud of her achievements.

Earlier in her career Dr. Evans was a Professor at Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service. Prior to this, Carol taught at the London School of Economics and Harvard University, and was a Visiting Professor at the University of California Berkeley.

She holds a Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University and a Masters and Ph.D. from the London School of Economics, University of London. Her very early work was on third world arms production. Carol has been an expert witness testifying before Congressional Committees. Subsequently, she joined the Defense and National Intelligence Community.

From the Eccentric we say on behalf of our community - thank you so much Carol for your service and keep up the good work.