ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Lt. Col. Jim Carmichael, a U.S. Army Reserve Officer, was officially inducted into the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe during a ceremony held, here, February 19.
"It is a real honor and privilege for me to bestow the Samuel Sharpe Award to you," said Brig. Gen. Steven E. Farmen, commanding general, Joint Munitions Command. "It is one of the highest awards in the Ordnance Corps. I want to thank you, Jim, for all the great work that you've done, and everything you did to earn this. Obviously, you made a huge difference providing ammo to our Warfighters."
The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe is a prestigious recognition, presented to individuals who have provided selfless contributions to the United States Army Ordnance Corps. First introduced in May 1994 by the United States Army Ordnance Corps Association, the Order of Samuel Sharpe recognizes ordnance personnel, nominated by their peers, who have demonstrated integrity, moral character and professional competence during their federal careers. It recognizes and honors those who have gone above and beyond in providing quality ammunition to the all military services.
The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe was created in honor of Mr. Samuel Sharpe, a member of the Council of 13 freemen of the original 13 American Colonies. On April 17th, 1629, Samuel Sharpe was appointed the "Master Gunner of Ordnance" by the Massachusetts Bay Colonies for his knowledge, expertise and professionalism.
"I am humbled and honored to become a recognized Samuel Sharpe recipient," said Carmichael. "My efforts to provide a ready and reliable ammunition company during a time of conflict was my goal. This would have never been possible without a dedicated unit commitment to readiness. I wish to thank 1st Sgt. Michael Junk, the Warrant Officers, the Soldiers and their Families, and the full-time staff of the 221st [Ordnance Company]."
Lt. Col. Carmichael was recognized for his efforts when he served as the 221st Ordnance Company (Ammo) commander in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He contributed to the establishment of an Ordnance Ammunition Modular Company with a total authorized strength of 216 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers, capable of deploying and providing a daily lift of 5320 shorts tons of ammunition support. These skills were demonstrated during the unit's deployment to Iraq where Carmichael assisted in the design and construction of a new Ammunition Supply Point in Bagram.
The production-based training program, which Carmichael implemented in partnership with Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center and Crane Army Ammunition Activity in Crane, Indiana, provided Soldiers which were tactically and technically proficient. The unit consistently exceeded ammunition handling and classification production goals, and provided cost savings to the government in the millions of dollars. The Soldiers of the 221st became the only ammunition depot certified inspectors within the Army Reserve.
Carmichael, a native of Franklin, Indiana, currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as the Battalion Commander for the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, Arden Hills, Minnesota. He has more than 23 years of combined service within the National Guard and Army Reserve Component. He and his wife, Gail, are residents of Davenport, Iowa.
Carmichael also works full-time as a Department of the Army Civilian within the Army Sustainment Command's Installation Logistics Directorate, located on Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois.
The Army Sustainment Command is a two-star command which provides globally responsive logistics capability and materiel readiness to enable Combatant Commanders to conduct the full range of military operations. ASC provides logistical support through the Lead Materiel Integrator program, the Materiel Management Program, the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program, by Army Prepositioned Stocks, and through its Directorates of Logistics.
As a Logistic Management Specialist, Carmichael provides program support for 76 Installation Logistics Directorate locations worldwide. He has balanced his life of military service with a Department of the Army civilian career to serve his nation in both capacities. In his current Civilian position, he serves as the Program Manager and Team Lead for Bulk Petroleum, Supply Service Activities and as the Hazardous Material Manager.
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