Faces of the Fort: Beem go-to-guy for benefit info

By Mrs. Melissa Buckley (Leonard Wood)June 4, 2015

Faces of the Fort: Beem go-to-guy for benefit info
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Steven Beem switched from serving his country as an Army combat engineer to serving the civilian workers on Fort Leonard Wood as a Human Resource specialist in 2008. Beem handles anywhere from 10 to 20 appointments every day, and thousands of people ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Faces of the Fort: Beem go-to-guy for benefit info
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (June 4, 2015) -- From retirement to health insurance -- Fort Leonard Wood's go-to-guy for civilian employee benefit information is a former noncommissioned officer who has been working at the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center since he retired.

Steven Beem switched from serving his country as an Army combat engineer to serving the civilian workers on Fort Leonard Wood as a Human Resource specialist in 2008.

He specializes in helping people with injury compensation and employee benefits.

"I enjoy serving others. I would say I meet with more than a thousand people a year. I have anywhere from 10 to 20 appointments every day," Beem said. "I help civilians when they are getting ready to retire, or need to enroll in benefits, like life or health insurance."

Fort Leonard Wood holds a special place in Beem's heart, not just because he works here now, but he began and ended his Army career here.

According to Beem, the military has always been a part of his life. He was born in Germany and spent his childhood moving from installation to installation.

Beem said serving people by helping them choose benefits that suit their needs gives him comfort.

"I like knowing that I have helped them get what they need and want," Beem said.

Beem said he usually comes to work about 6 a.m., because not all of his appointments fit in a 9-to-5 schedule.

"There are several folks on the installation who work nightshifts. This way, I can catch them when they get off work," Beem said.

When he isn't in his Building 470 office, he can be found around post teaching classes on programs such as the Federal Employees Retirement System or Thrift Savings Plan.

"I can give briefings anywhere to any organization," he said.

Beem said one of the most challenging things about his job is helping people when they have lost a loved one.

"I help them with benefits and entitlements. It can be a lot of paperwork. It is heart wrenching, but I am glad that I can be here to help them," Beem said.

Another challenge, according to Beem, is navigating the websites used to sign up for certain benefits.

"I can walk people through the process on my computer. I am here for individuals on Fort Leonard Wood to help them face-to-face," Beem said.

Beem said the best thing about his job is the satisfaction he gets from a job well done.

"I love to get Interactive Customer Evaluation comments or emails that say 'you rock' or 'you are the best thing since sliced cheese.' It makes me feel good to know I am doing a good job," Beem said.

To make an appointment with Beem or to ask him a question, call 573.596.0131, ext. 60293 or email steven.e.beem.civ@mail.mil.

Related Links:

Fort Leonard Wood FLICKR

Fort Leonard Wood GUIDON newspaper

Fort Leonard Wood website