NATICK, Mass. (Oct. 16, 2013) -- Lt. Col. Brian Greata, U.S. Army Garrison Natick commander, held an "All Hands" Oct. 10 at Hunter Auditorium.

Among the subjects Greata discussed were his expectations and priorities and where Natick was heading as a garrison. He opened by lauding garrison employees for their resilience in the face of the government shutdown and furloughs.

"I want to take this opportunity to say thank you again, for being as flexible as you have been," said Greata, "because it's been a difficult time, I know."

Greata stressed the importance of using resources wisely in an era of fiscal restraint.

"We've got to be as efficient with everything we do that we can," Greata said. "We've got to look at every opportunity we can to manage costs that are associated with the services that we do."

Greata pointed out that the vigilance was worth the effort.

"I think we've got good people here," said Greata, "and I think it's a good mission to have here, to support the organizations that are doing research and development on Natick."

Noting recent good news stories at Natick, Greata mentioned Officer Steven V. Theriault, named the Installation Management Command's "Hero of the Day" for helping a Soldier with a medical problem. Also, two programs -- the Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee, and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Family Campout -- were recognized among IMCOM's "Best Practices."

"Great work on … everybody's part," Greata said. "The best ideas come from you all. Push them up."

Greata also told of the fine work done by Resource Management in closing its fiscal year 2013 books.

"We were one of three installations in all of (IMCOM) Atlantic Region to complete our end-of-the-year closeout to standard," Greata said. "That's pretty remarkable."

The garrison commander also reminded employees that they have complete access to him.

"My door is always open," Greata said. "You can always talk to me."

Prior to Greata's update, a number of awards were presented:

• Length of Service Certificates: Robert Baker and Israel Noesi-Dominguez, 5 years; Andrew Parke, 15 years; and Marilyn Joy, 30 years.

• Certificate of Achievement: Jaylynn Richard.

• Achievement Medal for Civilian Service: Officer Steven V. Theriault.

• Commander's Award for Civilian Service: Charles Johnson.

• Staff Sgt. Sharalis Canales: Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Department of the Army BOSS President's Ring, USAG-Natick Certificate of Appreciation.