Tooele employee awarded the 2013 Army Ammunition Manager of the Year

By Ms. Kathy Anderson (AMC)September 30, 2014

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

William M. Smith began working at Tooele Army Depot 11 years ago. But how did the stars align, landing him here at the Depot? In Bill's case, it's clearly all about timing.

Bill grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Joined the Army for four years and shortly after getting out of the Army he was a certified mechanic for years trying to save enough money to open his own shop. "Finally I realized it was going to take more money than I could save," he said. A family friend was currently in the QASAS program and recommended Bill apply for this field as well. "As they say, the rest is history."

Bill's involvement in the ammunition field began in 1986, as a Savanna Army Depot, Quality Assurance Specialist Ammunition Surveillance Intern. He stayed in the program for 13 years, traveling around the world to places such as: Seoul, South Korea, Mannheim, Germany, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Oklahoma. He was one of the original six Ammunition Logistics Assistance Representatives (LAR) deployed to the field by Joint Munitions Command (JMC) in 2000 to launch the Ammunition LAR Program.

Finally planting his roots in the Tooele valley in 2002, Bill become the TEAD, Division Chief of Logistics Support/Maintenance/Demil Division. Not many DoD civilians can say they have had the honor and opportunity to ship ammunition to the Soldiers every day. DoD gets 110 percent from Bill. His commitment is to provide the required munitions to every Soldier, regardless of their service, for any war contingencies and for training as well.

As the Chief of this Division, all of the logistics functions that support ammunition operations fall under his control. He serves as the quasi Deputy for the Director of Ammunition Operations and monitors the day to day operations so the Director can concentrate on strategic level plans and initiatives. Bill works with his peers to adjust the operation plans where needed to ensure the Warfighter receives the very best from TEAD -- on-time, anywhere around the world.

Because of his unwavering commitment and ammunition knowledge across the entire Department of the Army, he recently received the 2013 Department of the Army Ammunition Manager of the Year Award for Excellence in Ammunition Management. This prestigious award recognizes his excellence and professionalism in the accomplishments of ammunition management duties worldwide.

"If one person is recognized there has to be an understanding there was a team behind that individual that made them successful." Smith stated. "Mine is the support I get from above the fence line such as the Garrison Management and those entities that support us to make our mission successful." He explains how he receives support and trust from his chain of command but mostly from the teams within his Division. "Any monkey can ride this horse but when you have teams like I have that bring it each and every day, you cannot help but be successful. They are the true heroes and I just got lucky and received the recognition."

So what does Bill like to do when he's not working? As a Harley-Davidson owner, he enjoys taking off on his bike with friends and enjoying that time together. As a football fanatic, he remains faithful to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. But in reality, he knows that the payoff is much better on his "Fantasy Football League."

Never met Bill? If not, someday you will. He's outgoing and is going to do everything he can in life. He's energetic, upbeat, always moving, always thinking, and always wanting to try to figure out new barbeque recipes.

Unfortunately, Bill's time with federal service is coming to an end with a scheduled retirement date of October 30, 2014.

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