Celebrating 55 years of federal service

By Ms. Andricka Thomas (CECOM)November 23, 2007

Celebrating 55 years of federal service
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Robert Reams Jr., a photographic technologist at the U.S. Army Research Lab, was commended and thanked by U.S. Army Materiel Command's Commanding General, Gen. Benjamin S. Griffin, for 55 years of federal service.

Reams began his service Feb. 21, 1952, and has worked with AMC specifically for 47 years. His work is focused on microelectronics and optical lithography. Among his many contributions, Reams developed several ordnance related systems including a Radio Frequency safe priming system for the Navy Phalanx gun system, and a slapper detonator being used in Army applications, in addition to having six patents.

His accomplishments don't end there. Early in his career, Reams managed the ARL Microelectronics Facility and the development of hardened microchip technology. He presently is working on a new program to troubleshoot issues with micro-chip applications.

Leadership is no stranger to Reams. In addition to developing breakthrough technology, Reams mentors engineers and scientists at ARL. He served as Co-Chair to the Invention Evaluation Committee and was the Department of Defense representative to the Texas State Nanomaterials Application Center Operational Board. Reams was also the Microelectronics Chairman for DoD to the Technology Area Review Assessment. He used to serve as the technical director of the Lithography Special Purpose Lab for the National Security Agency.