FORT POLK, La. - The United States Army Installation Management Command announced winners of several prestigious awards at its Sustainability Symposium, held in San Antonio, Texas, April 18-22. This year, awards went to two Fort Polk employees and one installation organization.
Among those awarded were the Internal Review office; Leo Stolfi, deputy of the Directorate of Emergency Services; and Chuck Cannon, Guardian staff writer.
The Internal Review office earned the Excellent Team Award. Members of the team include Debra Fay, senior evaluator (now working in another position); Rebecca Landry, senior evaluator; Cathy Fundersol, administrative assistant (retired) and Susan Williams, chief.
Internal Review is a small office that works directly for the deputy garrison commander and garrison commander, but also serves Forces Command, IMCOM and other needs on the installation. The office works to identify cost savings and avoidances.
"In fiscal year 2010, Internal Review identified $43 million in potential cost savings and avoidances over the next five years. Cost savings means the post doesn't need to ask for more money. Avoidance are things that don't save the Army money, but can be used better in a different area," said Williams. The office also maintained an external evaluation score of 97 percent, 7 percent higher than their goal.
"I love the work because the subject matter changes. It's challenging, but we bring objective, analytical viewpoints that cross boundaries," said Williams, who has been with Internal Review for 28 years.
Chuck Cannon, a Guardian staff writer of four years, was named IMCOM's Civilian Journalist of the Year.
He was required to submit five examples of his work in three categories to be judged against other IMCOM writers.
Cannon also won first place in sports writing for his story on a teenage soccer player who had a heart transplant, printed in the Guardian March 19, 2010.
"As a journalist, it's an honor to be recognized for your writing skills. It also motivates you to want to do your best regardless of the story. It's an honor to write stories about the Soldiers at Fort Polk," said Cannon.
Stolfi earned the Stalwart Award for this region, which honors those with high performance standards, commitment to IMCOM's mission and vision and exemplary work performance. Stolfi was self-effacing about this award. "This was an individual award, but others actually do the work. I just accepted it on their behalf," said Stolfi.
IMCOM recognizes one employee for each region that demonstrates steadfast accomplishments and proves their dedication to the Army. This was a first for DES.
Stolfi said the award would not have been possible without the dedication and assistance of others including Police Chief Bobby Lungrin; Fire Chief Michael Kuk; Physical Security Chief Greg Funderburk; former Director of Emergency Services Lt. Col. Jim Marshall; DES Sgt. Maj. Mark Mancini; current DES director Maj. Eneida Rivera-Rosado; former deputy to the Garrison Commander Vincent Grewatz and Fort Polk Garrison Commander Col. Francis Burns. "This award wouldn't have been possible without them," said Stolfi.
"Leo Stolfi,Aca,!E+Chuck Cannon and Internal Review under the leadership of Susan Williams, are all examples of the fine work and dedication of our civilian employees and organizations," said Burns.
"That they received recognition for their excellence at this gathering of IMCOM professionals is fitting - and well deserved. I am proud of them and proud of the skills and leadership qualities they display on a daily basis," he said.
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