FORT BRAGG, N.C. --If pride of ownership is the highest form of flattery, Soldiers of the Headquarters Service Company, 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, have every reason to be proud.
HSC is currently competing for the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence. They’re one of three finalist in the Active Army medium category for the 2015 year. HSC will be going against units from Germany and Hawaii.
The AAME is awarded to those who display an expertise and professionalism in performing assigned tasks. It was established by the Department of the Army in 1982 to recognize exceptional accomplishments in maintenance and provides an added incentive to the competitive programs of major Army commands.
The AAME is categorized by the number of personnel a unit is assigned (small, medium, or large) and also by component, including active-duty, Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.
AAME project manager, Mr. David Hausler, and his team composed of a senior enlisted and warrant officer evaluated the company at Fort Bragg, N.C., Mar. 31.
“It’s a huge accomplishment making it to this level,” said Hausler. “Even more so competing in the medium category, as it’s highly competitive.”
The soldiers being evaluated on Fort Bragg have already proven themselves to be among the best in the Army.
“We’re looking for the best practices,” said Hausler. “Evaluations like today will help improve the Army maintenance programs.”
The Soldiers of HSC are fully trained and postured to execute all maintenance support operations rapidly.
“As part of the global response force, our Soldiers understand the important of readiness,” said Capt. Stephanie Gaskill, commander, HSC. “This has contributed to our maintenance success.”
Soldier’s contributions from across the battalion to the lowest level has set the standard for excellence.
“It’s a real sense of pride and ownership competing at the DA level,” said Sgt. Joseph Hyatt, wheeled vehicle mechanic with HSC. “Without our junior enlisted, we would have not gotten this far, it’s truly an accomplishment of their dedication to their work.”
Leaders across the organization echo the dedication and accomplishments of their Soldiers.
“I’m extremely proud of this company which has set themselves apart, they have established pride and ownership of their equipment and their profession,” said Lt. Col. Stephen Owen, commander, 122nd ASB. “The pride and ownership is reinforced by the junior Soldiers.”
Officials with AAME expect the Army to release results within the upcoming weeks.