RED RIVER ARMY DEPOT, Texas -- The Red River Army Depot recently hosted more than 80 Army Materiel Command and TACOM Life Cycle Management Command senior leaders, staff members and depot and arsenal commanders for the AMC Organic Industrial Base Summit and Depot Assessment Visit.
On December 1, participants began with the Organic Industrial Base Summit where each TACOM installation was given the opportunity to share their best practices and upcoming opportunities. Gen. Dennis L. Via, commanding general of AMC, participated in the summit before departing to tour production facilities at Red River.
"The Organic Industrial Base is an assurance policy for the nation," said Via. "There's no doubt that what you do is important and a vital part of our business."
Before departing, Via presented coins to each civilian personnel in the room with over 25 years of service. He also presented coins to each commander.
Day two kicked off the depot assessment visit with a RRAD command brief and video by RRAD Commander Col. Brandon L. Grubbs. Texarkana mayors Ruth Penney Bell and Bob Bruggeman also greeted the DAV participants during the in-brief.
"Red River Army Depot is vital to our entire region," said Bruggeman. "We really do love this depot and the important role it plays in our community as well as our nation.
The DAV is used to assess the health of the depot and share best business practices across the enterprise. DAV participants observed and discussed RRAD self-identified issues and best business practice opportunities.
During the opening session, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Wyche, AMC deputy commanding general, presented Red River with the AMC Exceptional Organization Safety Award and Crane Army Ammunition Activity with the Excellence in Explosive Safety Award.
"We use these visits to make our best better," said Wyche. "It doesn't matter if it's something for a brigade for training or we're delivering a Bradley from a depot, it is about giving what is needed to our Soldiers."
Following remarks from Wyche, DAV participants split into five teams to better access and focus on particular areas of the depot including safety, training, environmental, contracting, financial management and depot operations. Each team toured specific facilities relevant to their assessment area and were briefed by more than 50 Red River team members.
Red River's Rod and Gun Club provided a Texas-style barbecue for each DAV participant as well as key RRAD personnel during day two. Following lunch, the DAV teams returned to their assessment areas to complete the day.
Out briefs resumed on Thursday morning with each team presenting a presentation of best practices and opportunities found during their assessments.
"What we saw today shows that Red River is doing a very good job," said Lisha Adams, AMC executive deputy commanding general. "Of course, we all have room for improvement, but I think you can take away from this that you're doing the right things."
Wyche expressed his pride in Red River as well as all the participants of the visit.
"To the Red River team, you really were exceptional hosts," said Wyche. "It's not easy pulling something off this magnitude together, but it's all about making us better."
Wyche continued with his remarks sharing a story about Steve Largent, former wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, who at the time of his retirement owned every NFL receiving record.
"They asked Steve what made him so good," Wyche said. "He stated he focused on the tip of the football, not the whole football. That's how focused we have to be as we move forward. I cannot over emphasize how critical readiness is to our team."
Red River Army Depot is the largest employer in the local four states area. The depot is the only Army two time recipient of the Robert T. Mason Award for depot maintenance excellence and holds numerous awards for their outstanding maintenance practices.
Social Sharing