Col. David Guida, Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center commander, pins the Army Civilian Commendation Award on Mr. Kyle Gripp. Gripp received the commendation for exceptions service as the Director of Quality Assurance at RIA-JMTC. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

Mr. Kyle Gripp stands with Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center leadership after receiving the Army Civilian Commendation for his 14 years of service at RIA-JMTC. Gripp led Quality Assurance at RIA-JMTC during his time within the organization and his vision and passion led to the development and implementation of new quality assurance and continuous process improvement methodologies. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

Mr. Kyle Gripp delivers his farewell address after receiving the Army Civilian Commendation Medal at a ceremony held at Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center. Gripp was given the award for his exceptional service as Director of Quality Assurance at RIA-JMTC. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

Mr. Kyle Gripp talks with Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center leadership ahead of receiving the Army Civilian Commendation Medal. Gripp was given the award for exceptional service as Director of Quality Assurance during his 14 year career at the factory. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

Col. David Guida, Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center commander, pulls the Civilian Service Commendation Medal out of its case before pinning it on Mr. Kyle Gripp. Gripp was given the award for exception service as the Director of Quality Assurance at RIA-JMTC. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

Col. David Guida, Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center commander, stands at attention with RIA-JMTC Deputy Commander Greg Lupton and Mr. Kyle Gripp while RIA-JMTC Chief of Staff Bryan Gripp reads the Civilian Service Commendation Medal caption on the award. Kyle Gripp received the award for exceptional service as Director of Quality Assurance at RIA-JMTC during his 14 year career at the factory. Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center develops, manufactures and delivers readiness solutions through conventional and advanced manufacturing processes for the U.S. Army and Department of Defense systems globally.

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — Kyle Gripp was honored with the prestigious Army Civilian Commendation Medal during a ceremony at the Rock Island Arsenal-Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center for his exceptional 14 years of service.

The award, presented by RIA-JMTC Commander, Col. David Guida, recognized Gripp's unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the organization. Gripp's tenure at RIA-JMTC has been characterized by visionary leadership and a commitment to excellence, qualities he will carry forward in his new position at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command.

“Kyle has been instrumental in helping us develop high-quality and on-time readiness solutions for the warfighter while modernizing for the next fight,” said Guida. “We will miss him, but we know he’s going to do great things.”

Gripp’s role in implementing new quality assurance and continuous process improvement methodologies has made RIA-JMTC more cost-competitive and timely in providing crucial equipment and materials to the nation's warfighters.

“I am honored to have served at RIA-JMTC for the past 14 years. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing to support our nation's warfighters,” Gripp said.

The commendation has been met with widespread praise and congratulations from colleagues and peers, serving as a testament to Mr. Gripp's dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Originally called the Commanders Award for Civilian Service, this medal was approved by the Vice Chief of Staff, Army, on June 30, 1976. It was established as a means to provide Army field commanders with the ability to recognize notable civilian performance at the equivalent level of the Army Commendation Medal awarded to military personnel for similar achievement. In November 2014, the Secretary of the Army approved a modification to the Department of the Army Civilian Service Medals in order to make their nomenclature more consistent with their military equivalents. At that time the award was renamed the Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the design of the medal (both obverse and reverse) were changed accordingly. This award consists of a regular size medal, miniature size medal, service ribbon, lapel button and certificate.