ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Maj. Gen. Camille Nichols, the commanding general of Army Contracting Command, headquartered in Huntsville, Ala., visited Anniston Army Depot May 2.
Nichols, who took command at ACC in May 2012, held a town hall meeting with Anniston Contracting Office employees at the close of her tour, listening to concerns of the employees and answering questions regarding the Army budget and furloughs.
"We are working on furlough letters now, with the hope that we will never issue them," said Nichols, adding that the Department of Defense is still determining the number of furlough days employees will be required to take.
She also addressed the possibility of furlough in fiscal year 2014, saying it is a possibility, but not at the beginning of the year.
"Do I think at the end of 2014 I'll be having the same conversation with you? I hope not," said Nichols.
Nichols told the group of contracting employees she had an agenda filled with plans when she took command last year, but, due to budgetary constraints, many projects have not been accomplished.
Chief among those unfinished projects are construction and repairs for many ACC facilities, including the ACC headquarters, which is currently operating out of trailers.
She praised the Anniston facilities as well as the personnel, calling employees a "national treasure."
"It is unbelievable to be your commander," said Nichols. "It is an honor I don't take lightly."
Nichols has worked throughout her time in command to tell the story of contracting, enabling the Soldiers and civilians who benefit to learn what it takes to get goods, services and parts where they need to be.
"As a service organization, you want your customers to be happy," said Nichols. "You also want your customers to appreciate what you do."
In addition to telling the story of contracting, Nichols hopes to educate Army installations and organizations, enabling them to manage contracts once they have been awarded.
"These are not our contracts. They are not your contracts," she told the Anniston employees. "We just help facilitate the process."
Following the town hall, several employees were recognized for their extraordinary service.
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