Qatar base provides best Army safety program

Photo By Dustin Senger | Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, U.S. Army Central commanding general, talks about safety programs with Robert East, from Ocala, Fla., at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, June 21. For his premier installation safety program in fiscal 2007, Lovelace presented East with the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety, contractor category.  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

06.21.2008

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

By Dustin Senger
Area Support Group - Qatar Public Affairs Office

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, U.S. Army Central commanding general, officially presented the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army Exceptional Organization Safety Award to Col. David G. Cotter, Area Support Group Qatar commander, June 21. ASG-QA was announced as the best garrison safety program in the Army, fiscal year 2007, at a March safety conference in Kuwait. The command facilitates base operations services and security at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.

Each year, Army officials commend installations, units and individuals for accident prevention efforts and safety-minded service. They strive to identify Army components that clearly reflect dedicated service in supporting Army readiness and mission success.

"ASG-QA earned the (garrison-level) award by making the most significant contribution to accident prevention," said Brig. Gen. William H. Forrester, Director of Army Safety, in formal correspondence to the USARCENT commander. "They demonstrated a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of composite risk management and applied it in achieving an outstanding safety record."

Robert East, from Ocala, Fla., is the installation safety manager at Camp As Sayliyah. Commonly known as "Safety Bob," he reaches out to tenant units and organizations trying to construct and implement effective safety programs. For his premier efforts in fiscal year 2007, East earned the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army Individual Award of Excellence in Safety, contractor category.

"Maintaining an outstanding safety record is paramount to the success of the R&R program," said Cotter. ASG-QA executes the U.S. Central Command rest and recuperation pass program at Camp As Sayliyah. "Our goal is to provide our visiting war fighters with a brief and effective recharge – so they can return to the war fight physically and emotionally refreshed. Out of harm's way, families can find peace of mind knowing loved ones are in a safe location. This program truly is a labor of love." Since 2004, over 160,000 participants have received a brief respite from military operations in the USCENTCOM area of responsibility.

Troops in Qatar are receiving the Army's best in support and sustainment services. In April, the ASG-QA food services team was presented the Phillip A. Connelly Award for the best large garrison dining facility in the Army. According to the Connelly Award project manager, Camp As Sayliyah is the first feeding facility evaluated in Southwest Asia. According to Cotter, ASG-QA will compete to retain its top positions in 2008.

"Right now, the Area Support Group Qatar safety office is in good posture to repeat," said East. "In fact, the installation is doing even better than last fiscal year. If we stay focused on composite risk management, we will be a strong contender in the fiscal year 2008 awards."

• Date Taken: 06.21.2008
• Date Posted: 06.21.2008 10:32
• Story ID: 20721
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA