Chamber of Commerce confers top award to ANCA, ANCDF Team

By Mr. Michael Abrams (AMC)February 14, 2013

Chamber of Commerce confers top award to ANCA, ANCDF Team
Timothy K. Garrett, left, Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility site project manager, and Jesse E. Brown III, Anniston Chemical Activity civilian executive, proudly display their respective Brenda Dozier Hollis Chairman's Cups for 2012 that were ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- The combined mission success of the Anniston Chemical Activity and the Anniston Chemical Agent Disposal Facility was publicly recognized Feb. 1 by the outgoing chairman of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.

Before stepping down as chamber chairman, John Blue presented the Brenda Dozier Hollis Chairman's Cup for 2012 to the ANCA and ANCDF government and contractor workforces and their management teams for their history of safe chemical munitions storage and for the safe and timely destruction of the stockpile.

Timothy K. Garrett, ANCDF site project manager, received the award on behalf of the ANCA and ANCDF Team, the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity and the U.S. Army at the annual Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Diamond Gala held in the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of the Talladega Superspeedway.

More than 600 attendees -- stakeholders from various business organizations and social groups representing 12 chambers of commerce spread throughout the geographical area -- witnessed the presentation.

Blue praised everyone associated with the safe storage of the chemical munitions at Anniston Army Depot as well as those involved in the safe demilitarization of the stockpile at the ANCDF.

In Blue's prepared remarks, he said he wanted to honor "people who have not only made a difference in the chamber, but who have worked to make all of our lives better -- people who have placed themselves on the front lines to ensure our safety, the workforce at the Anniston Chemical Activity and the Anniston Chemical Demilitarization Facility."

Then Blue said, "In addition to honoring those people, I want to ensure that there is a permanent tribute as well so I am naming ANCA and ANCDF as the co-recipients of the Chairman's Cup so that their legacy will be etched on the Cup for future generations to see."

In accepting the award, Garrett expressed his profound admiration for the ANCA and ANCDF workforces. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the members of the Chamber of Commerce for their public and longstanding support of the Army's mission to rid the community of the chemical munitions stockpile through the construction, systemization and the operational phases of the project.

Besides the Chairman's Cup, Blue mentioned another chamber effort to recognize the ANCA and ANCDF teams for their contributions to the community. He said, "As a part of the yearlong celebration of the successful destruction of chemical weapons, the Calhoun [County] Commission, AOD Federal Credit Union, and the chamber commissioned a 'Chairman's Coin' as a tribute to each man and woman at ANCA and ANCDF. I had the privilege of presenting those at a ceremony yesterday at the depot."

Community residents associated with the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program were singled out as well at the banquet.

"I would also like to recognize another group whose actions led to community safety and reassurance, the CSEPP leaders. First responders, elected officials, the National Guard, community roundtable participants, just to name a few have been involved in CSEPP and preparedness activities. If you have been involved in any of the affected counties, would you please stand?" said Blue. A number of people from the six surrounding counties stood for their well-earned applause.

Blue's elected successor as Chamber Chair is Alabama Power's Julia Segars. She was installed as part of the evening's agenda. Blue is still associated with the Chamber of Commerce. He is now the Chairman of the Board of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Foundation. In that capacity, Blue is representing local federal partners and the Alabama Army National Guard to help promote opportunities and new initiatives within the community.