SGS office member helps SMDC run smoothly

By Jason B. Cutshaw, USASMDC/ARSTRAT Public AffairsMarch 28, 2016

SGS office member helps SMDC run smoothly
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- When promotions need approving or leadership signs off on decisions, the command depends on its SGS staff to make things run smoothly.

Beatriz M. Hill, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, deputy secretary of the general staff, provides support to the command staff and facilitates and processes the decisions and initiatives of the commander.

"We are the liaison between the leadership and the staff," Hill said. "We also manage the administrative procedures that govern the command. We implement these administrative procedures and ensure the staff is complying with them."

Hill, along with Maj. Cory N. Scott, USASMDC/ARSTRAT SGS, provides support to not only SMDC headquarters, but also to U.S. Strategic Command and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.

Hill has been a government employee for 31 years and served in Miami, Florida; Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Scott Air Force Base, Illinois; Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina; and Alton, Illinois.

Among her many duty positions, she has interpreted Spanish to English wiretaps for the Secret Service, been a secretary to organizational directors, executive secretary to numerous commanders and even performed as the executive secretary to three officers at one time, to include the deputy to the commander, deputy commanding general for operations, and the chief of staff at U.S. Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, or SDDC.

When asked why she wanted to join the SMDC team, she replied, "I was already familiar with the Army from working at SDDC so when the opportunity presented itself I applied to USASMDC/ARSTRAT hoping I would get selected and move from the cold winters of Illinois. I researched SMDC's mission and found it absolutely enthralling.

"I love the people at SMDC," she added. "We are a family and care very much for each other. Although, I would change the awards system at SMDC. There are many types of non-monetary awards other commands have recognize their employees with. SDDC had a tier leveled awards system used much like an on-the-spot award."

She also spoke about what she likes to do in her time away from the office.

"In my off time I enjoy spending time with friends," Hill said. "I enjoy running 5Ks and half marathons. I love to travel and recently took a Viking Cruise on the Danube River and visited Budapest, Prague, Vienna, and Austria.

"I would like to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity or Meals on Wheels," she added.

She did take a minute to give some advice for newcomers at SMDC.

"I would advise them to register for the Space 100 Course within their first six months at the command," Hill said. "I recently attended myself and learned so much about what we do. I would also advise them to attend one of my action officer training sessions."

Hill said she enjoys meeting people in the building and helping them with any issue they may have.

"I am here to serve you in my capacity as assistant SGS," she said. "No matter who you are, you are my customer and I am always available in my office, by phone or email. Please call on us with your questions on packages when in doubt.

"I live, breathe and absolutely love my job here at SMDC," Hill added. "This job has allowed me to serve the Army civilians and Warfighters on a whole new level. Albeit, we're a very busy office keeping packages moving, but never too busy to assist the people of SMDC. I am ecstatic to be here and really enjoying the Huntsville area, especially the nice weather."

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