Cookies, coffee and congratulations sweetened some frank talk and important information updates for the staff of Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington Thursday.
Maj. Gen. Karl Horst, commanding general of JFHQ-NCR/MDW, spoke with approximately 250 captivated attendees at the command's Town Hall Meeting, held in the Grand Ball Room of the Fort McNair Officers Club the morning of Dec. 3, 2009.
The Town Hall was an important face-to-face opportunity to recognize individual achievement and reflect on the command's accomplishments during the last six months, as well as address many events and concerns for the months ahead.
Some three dozen military and civilian personnel received recognition for meritorious service and length of service, including staff members with as many as 20 and 30 years of federal service.
Horst emphasized the importance of the individual members of staff, explaining that a confidential command climate survey he initiated had his ear. "It's good to get feedback about the things that are important to you," he said, assuring his audience that he would not sit on the results.
"I'm an action guy," Horst declared. He pointed out later that he wished the participation rate had been higher and that more would have shared their views. "Talk to me ... send me an email ... I want to know what you think."
Going through the survey results, Horst vowed to work on the areas that need improvement and on which he can affect.
The installation's dining facility will remain, he asserted, but more parking for the urban installation would be a tougher nut, he indicated.
In addition to the personnel recognition and a 90-day calendar review, their were important presentations on Winter & Holiday Safety, Computer Security and movement from "analog" into "digital age" operations, and an update on H1N1 vaccination availability.
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