1. Rebekah A. Vogel
Supervisory Administrative Specialist
Rebekah. Vogel@usdoj.gov
November 3, 2015
Hood College MBA Program
David Gurzick, Ph.D.
Director, MBA Program
The Graduate School at Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701
Dear Mr. Gurzick:
U.S. Department of Justice
National Security Division
Counterterrorism Section
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W
Washington, D.C. 20530
(202) 514-1228
I write in recommendation and support for Joseph Pirrone and his application for admission
to the MBA Program. I hope that this letter will convey how highly he is regarded by me and by the
staff in our office. Joseph came to the Counterterrorism Section (CTS) as a stay-in-school
program hire. Given that CTS offers a security clearance as well as an interesting work environment,
competition for even these part-time positions is very competitive. Joseph stood out from other
applicants and was hired under my supervision. During the two and a half years Joseph worked at
CTS, he was able to maintain and balance his job while attending classes on a full-time basis.
He consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to success.
Joseph proved to be a true asset to CTS. He undertook a variety of duties from litigation
support to working on projects for the senior attorneys and Section leadership. He is a self-starter
with ambition to seek out problematic areas and take on new assignments while working
efficiently and effectively to fulfill requests accurately and meet deadlines. For example, on his
own initiative, Joseph re-organized stock rooms and streamlined our ordering system for supplies.
He also organized administrative and personnel files which had been unaddressed for years.
Although these may seem like mundane tasks, the contribution to the operational performance of the
office cannot be understated. Joseph also worked to review and update various databases used by the
Counterterrorism Section and the National Security Division. This project required great attention to
detail to ensure the accuracy of the data which is used publicly by the Department of Justice. Joseph
also assumed litigation support assignments that normally would be assigned to paralegals or entry
level attorneys.

2. Joseph is eager to learn different subject matter to broaden his skills and knowledge. He
expresses an optimistic attitude and is a team player. Positive feedback was continually received
on his behalfregarding his professional manner and the work he produced. As Joseph's
supervisor, he kept me informed on a consistent basis of relevant information, whether it was
verbal or written. Joseph does exceptionally well in managing several projects/duties to achieve
superb outcomes. His overall performance during the time he worked at CTS exceeded
expectations and always earned him an outstanding rating.
Joseph Pirrone will excel in any future endeavors and goals he sets forth to accomplish. I
know that he has been interested in obtaining an MBA degree for some time now and I feel that
he would be an excellent candidate for your esteemed program. Joseph has my highest
recommendation and that of the staff at CTS.
IfI can provide any further information or assist you in any way regarding his application,
please feel free to contact me. '
Counterterrorism ectio
United States Department ofJustice
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