JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III addressed a crowd of soldiers and civilians Dec. 3 in Conmy Hall on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and discussed the Army profession as well as recognized more than a dozen outstanding soldiers and civilians for their service.
During the recognition ceremony, three Department of the Army civilians working for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall were presented with challenge coins from the SMA.
"They’re a part of the Army team," said Chandler. "Every one of us, whether you’re a family member, a Department of the Army civilian or a soldier, contributes to the Army’s success."
Director of Human Resources Kenneth Washington; Operations and Maintenance Chief Denise Faldowski; and Director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Denise James represented their departments during the recognition ceremony.
"I’m accepting this on behalf of the O&M Division," said Faldowski. "They’re the reason I’m successful. They provide you guys with heat and cooling. They’re the reason I’m here with you today."
"Having been a garrison sergeant major, the professionals that work in operations or maintenance and DPW work extremely hard," said Chandler. "It’s a thankless job. Nobody comes by to say, ‘Thanks, my air conditioner is working,’ they only come over to say that it’s not working. So when you see one of those guys or gals that are working at DPW that are trying to keep your stuff going, it’s not like they want you to be freezing or hot, just tell them thanks."
Chandler also emphasized to the crowd of soldiers that Department of the Army civilians are an important part of the total Army team.
"When you see a Department of the Army civilian performing a service to the nation and you, how about telling them thanks," he said. "Their contributions to your success are immeasurable. So just say thanks. They do a lot for each and every one of us and our Army and the nation thank you."