Commander’s column: ‘Thanks’ to JBM-HH team for navigating Jonas safely, swiftly

Courtesy Photo | Firefighters from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall pitch in to clear the roadway in front of the Fort Myer Commissary Jan. 26, 2016. (Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods)  

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, UNITED STATES

02.04.2016

Courtesy Story

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

By U.S. Army Col. Mike Henderson
Commander, JBM-HH

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Last week the National Capital Region and Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall saw one of the worst winter storms in recorded meteorological history: Winter Storm Jonas. The federal government was closed for two days with operations affected an additional two days beyond that. The snow can still be seen around base in piles big enough to take up parking spots.

Those snow piles are there because of the hard working men and women of this joint base. I’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped get us through the storm safely and efficiently.

To give you an idea of just how much this storm impacted the joint base, here are some interesting numbers: It took more than 100 people from the Directorate of Public Works working around the clock to get us out once the snow stopped. We had 500 tons of salt and sand to help thaw roads and sidewalks. Maintenance was conducted on snow plows 15 times to ensure operability.

All in all, JBM-HH received some 25.8 inches of snow on Fort Myer and Henderson Hall and nearly 23 inches at Fort McNair.

The Directorate of Public Works spent countless hours pre-treating roads and sidewalks. The Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security managed the Emergency Operations Center, orchestrating the joint base’s response and facilitating timely communication throughout the ranks. The Directorate of Emergency Services directed traffic as lines of motorists waited patiently to fill gas tanks at the Fort Myer Shopette gas station, enforcing traffic laws keeping the joint base family safe. Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation opened the bowling center to give service members on base somewhere to go. Our Public Affairs team provided timely updates across the joint base to keep employees, service members, families and others informed throughout the storm.

The safe, efficient and speedy recovery, as well as the logistical support and pre-storm planning, were all made possible by the total JBM-HH team.

Simply put, I could not be any more proud of the dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism exemplified by everyone on our team.

Thank you again and please continue to stay safe throughout the winter.

Army Strong – Semper Fi!

• Date Taken: 02.04.2016
• Date Posted: 02.04.2016 12:16
• Story ID: 187904
• Location: JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US