SAN ANTONIO -- Soldiers and civilians from the U.S. Installation Management Command headquarters listened to a message of solidarity in the face of an uncertain future as they packed the historic Fort Sam Houston Theatre for the monthly Town Hall Feb. 25.
Hosted by MG John "Sonny" Uberti, IMCOM deputy commanding general, and IMCOM CSM Earl Rice, the meeting included discussions of the potential Army Civilian furloughs that might be brought on by the across-the-government budget cuts known as sequestration.
No matter what, "We are trying to maintain the appropriate balance between accomplishing the mission and taking care of people," Uberti said. "Mission first, people always."
The Secretary of Defense notified Congress Feb. 20 of his intent to conduct an administrative furlough. They can last up to 22 nonconsecutive days, and virtually all employees are affected.
Even with the onset of sequestration, several more steps remain before furloughs begin. "Whether or not it's going to happen is yet to be determined," Uberti said.
Karen Perkins, IMCOM director of human resources (G1), gave a progress report on plans the command is making to react to any furlough requirements. She outlined potential effects on temporary duty, overtime and compensatory time. Some implementation issues remain unresolved at this point.
Though lapse-of-appropriation furloughs have happened before, and solid plans exist for that type, an administrative furlough across the whole of government is unprecedented, she said. "We have no experience planning for an administrative furlough. We're in frequent discussions with the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense and Army Headquarters to ensure the latest information is received and clarified."
"Most important, we care about you," Perkins said. "We are committed to keeping every one of you updated."
Kenneth A. Pierson, IMCOM deputy director of resource management (G8), provided an update on the command budget in the face of fiscal 2013 financial uncertainties. COL Ralph Kauzlarich, IMCOM director of operations (G3), explained the recently introduced IMCOM headquarters battle rhythm cycle.
Uberti and Rice presented a number of awards.
Jacqueline Kinkle of G9, Douglas May Jr. of G8 and Thomas Sandborn of G9 were recognized for 20 years of federal service.
Christian Brandstrup of G1 and John O'Sullivan of G9 were recognized for 25 years of federal service.
Patricia Rye, Susan Christman, Nancy Campbell, Dorothy Clairborne-Carr, Sandra Nordenhold and James Philips of G9; Robert Barnett of G7 and Miranda Murrell of G1 were recognized for 30 years of federal service.
Deborah Brackett and Marsha Hesse-Oxley of G8 were recognized for 35 years of federal service.
Carla Pomager of G9 was recognized for 40 years of federal service.
Jorge Millet-Castillo of G1 received a Commander's Award for Civilian Service for exceptional performance while serving as a human resource specialist, January - December 2012. Castillo accomplished a seamless transition of the IMCOM Enterprise Placement Program, developing a master list used for tracking over 2,000 vacancies and applications, and more than 150 referrals as well as gathering the status updates on numerous weekly and monthly reports.
Michael Swingler received a Commander's Award for Civilian Service for exceptional performance while serving as the supervisory program manager, religious support office, October 2011 - December 2012. Cited as an outstanding role model representing the command chaplain's office throughout the Army, Swingler directly influenced the success in executing complex religious support missions for IMCOM.
Richard Morizen of G5 received a Senior Commander's Service Award for exceptional performance while serving as the IMCOM cemetery operations program manager May 2012 - January 2013. Morizen distinguished himself while supporting the command's cemetery operations mission to maintain the highest standards on 29 post cemeteries worldwide. His detailed planning and coordination resulted in detailed command guidance to the installation management command garrisons.
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