FORT CARSON, Colo. -Jack Gibbs is a man on a grand mission - ensuring offices and barracks on Fort Carson have the furniture and appliances occupants need.

Gibbs, a facilities utilization specialist with the Directorate of Public Works Master Planning Division, tackles his job with a smile and an impish sense of humor. The 20-year Army veteran's plate is full managing installation furnishings, except for tenant units and facilities that fall under Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation operations. His responsibilities vary and include purchasing, accounting, assigning and maintaining furniture, furnishings and equipment.

"Jack Gibbs has been a vital asset to the Planning Division and DPW, since he started working with us in 2005," said Chris Chapman, division chief of the DPW Master Planning Division, Gibbs' boss. "His positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile, even under the most demanding timelines and stressful situations, helps motivate the rest of the team, makes his co-workers and customers feel important, and makes even the most difficult tasks seemingly easier."

With an annual budget of $2.7 million for unaccompanied enlisted Soldier housing and more than 8,473 barracks rooms under his care, that amounts to managing an eye-popping number of chairs, beds, wall lockers and appliances.

Last spring, Gibbs facilitated the purchase and installation of furnishings in 1,720 new 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, barracks rooms within 60 days. This considerable undertaking outfitted five buildings with 1,475 beds, dressers, desks, lamps and television stands; 3,440 chairs; 360 microwaves and refrigerators; and 245 living room sets for noncommissioned officers' quarters.

A key responsibility that falls under Gibbs as Fort Carson's furnishings management officer is working with deploying and redeploying units. In August he assisted 35 returning companies of the 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., ensuring 665 Soldier administrative work areas were ready for use.

The 52nd Engineer Battalion found itself in a pinch when it didn't have the space or furniture available to set up headquarters last fall. Gibbs was instrumental in helping the battalion furnish its company operations facility to accommodate a temporary battalion headquarters as well. He even went so far as to help set up the furniture himself for two weeks as there was no contract in place at the time, said Sgt 1st Class John Nisewaner, facilities manager for 52nd Eng. Bn. "He went out of his way to get us what we needed."

Gibbs is currently focusing on increasing the number of environmentally-friendly products provided for his customers, including Energy Star-rated appliances, energy efficient programmable washers and dryers and more sustainable furniture.

The new furniture is a metal and wood hybrid, with the metal components consisting of 70-percent recycled content. The beds, desks, lockers and chairs, said Gibbs, have a lifecycle of nine years instead of the six years expected of current furniture in the inventory. He estimates the first batch of 600 units purchased for barracks rooms will save the Army $8 million due to the increased lifecycle.