Because Sara Simms was nosey, the U.S. government saved more than $424,000. And she received a surprise, too.

During a data review, Ms. Simms, a lead human resources assistant, noticed an unusual annotation on a Reservist’s record. Convicted of first degree felony, the reserve officer’s status was “dropped from the rolls” as of Jan. 30, 2003.

Ms. Simms, of the directorate of personnel services, also found the officer was transferred to an unassigned Reserve section, but was still collecting voluntary separation incentive payments. She contacted finance officials here, who told the member to repay $35,254.18.

If Ms. Simms had not caught the error, the man would have continued to receive annual payments for 20 years, which would have totaled nearly $400,000.

Senior Master Sgt. Janet Riley, individual ready reserve program management branch chief, found a way to reward the vigilant Ms. Simms.

After researching Air Force Instruction 36-1004, Managing the Civilian Recognition Program, the sergeant submitted her for a Special Act or Service Award.

This is a monetary award that recognizes General Schedule employees for special achievements. 

For her diligence, Ms. Simms received a $3,500 award Oct. 18.

Ms. Simms says she was shocked for getting an award for doing her job.

“Wow! Just for being nosey,” she said. ”All I asked myself was ‘what does ‘dropped from the rolls’ really mean?’”

Leo Weber, the Air Reserve Personnel Center civilian personnel officer, wasn’t sure if a center employee had ever received the award.

“If there was one given out before, it’s been a long, long time,” he said.