WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii -- The U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii community and many of its programs and community members enjoyed an award-winning year in 2014.
-- Years spent towards building a winner
In recent years, the garrison has welcomed the dedication of new barracks, the building of a record number of new family homes and child development centers and also the ground-breaking for an extensive new building and renovation of Hale Kula Elementary School, costing $33 million.
The result of years of aggressive leadership was formally recognized in April with the 2014 Army Community of Excellence Gold Medal award as the top installation in the Army.
"The award reflects how USAG-HI consistently excelled at providing base operations, training support and quality of life services to Soldiers, families and civilians," wrote Lt. Gen. David Halverson, assistant chief of staff of the Army for Installation Management and commanding general of Installation Management Command.
"Your concepts, visionary and supportive leadership, core values, learning and innovation, and organizational performance combined with your ability to focus on results and creating value plus customer-driven excellence have put you a pace ahead of other installations," wrote Halverson.
The award also noted several best practices for USAG-HI accomplishments, including institutionalizing a cost-savings culture resulting in initiatives that saved $700,000 in fiscal year 2013 and $61.7 million since fiscal year 2010.
Also noted was the garrison's reduced regulated waste generation by partnering with Hawaii-based Army units to replace traditional petroleum motor pool maintenance products with bio-based lubricants and spill absorbent.
Established in 1985 and sponsored by the Chief of Staff of the Army, ACOE is an annual Armywide assessment of all aspects of installation management. The program is designed to improve installation operations and readiness through business transformation processes.
-- Winning became contagious
Award-winning performances were recognized throughout the local Army Hawaii community.
Excellence in serving Soldiers and their families is the hallmark of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Services.
In 2014, FMWR Director Michael Amarosa was recognized with the IMCOM-Pacific Region Stalwart Award for his management leadership supervision of FMWR programs and workforce. FMWR was also recognized with the Installation Management Academy Exemplary Workforce Development Award.
Island Palm Communities, along with garrison's Directorate of Emergency Services, was singled-out for its efforts in developing the National Night Out safety program.
Five Army Hawaii-based Soldiers in September helped lead the All Army
Even the Hawaii Army Weekly joined the lengthy award party while being presented the Maj. Gen.Keith L. Ware award as the top outside the Continental U.S. newspaper.
-- Social issues tackled
2014 was also a year when serious social issues, including sexual assault and domestic violence, were readdressed with new high-profile initiatives.
"Domestic violence is a real problem," said Fromm. "We need to get the word out and stop this. If you witness an incident of domestic violence … do the right thing."
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