Civilian career a continuation of Army service

By Mrs. Jennifer Bacchus (AMC)July 28, 2016

Civilian career a continuation of Army service
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Editor's note: In honor of Anniston Army Depot's 75th anniversary, TRACKS is looking back at the installation's changes through the eyes of those who were present.

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Glenn Reynolds, a MRP planner/buyer for the Directorate of Production Management, began working for the Army in 1971, just after graduating from Cherokee County High School.

At the time, the Vietnam War was going on and he was chosen to be in the 101st Airborne Division.

He was injured and, upon being released from the hospital, became a mechanic and then later worked in supply as a soldier.

"I did everything for the military," he said. "I was going to make a career out of the Army and I kind of did."

He left active duty in 1976 and began work at Anniston Army Depot on night shift in the Combat Vehicle Repair Facility. He also transitioned into the Army Reserves at the same time. He retired from the Reserves in the mid-90s after having served a deployment during Desert Storm.

"When I came out here, nothing was on computers, everything was handwritten," said Reynolds as he recalled walking written notes to other shops and offices throughout the industrial area to order or pick up parts.

"I came here on the Veterans Readjustment Act," he said.

His first job was supposed to be as a forklift operator. Instead, his job had him doing a little bit of everything -- a forklift operator, machinist, mule driver and crane operator.

During that time, the work hours seemed to pass quickly. There were no strangers in the industrial area -- it seemed everyone knew everyone else and it was a light-hearted atmosphere.

In 1977, he accepted a pay cut -- dropping his shift differential and going back to a WG4 position as a forklift operator -- in order to transition to first shift. It was a risk he was willing to take because the position he accepted had a target grade of WG7.

Being on first shift also enabled him to go to school, where he learned electronics.

He attended Gadsden State Community College, where he earned a certification in an Alabama Upper Division program.

Throughout his career, he has seen a lot of firsts -- from the first M88 to be overhauled at the depot to the first M9 Armored Combat Earthmover.

The last 20 years have been spent almost exclusively working with engines and transmissions.

Reynolds said he has seen both the good and bad sides of ANAD's partnership programs -- he has seen firsthand how those partnerships have enabled the installation to stay relevant in today's defense market, and also how some of the depot's skills and old processes may have been lost over the years, particularly some of the reclamation processes.

He isn't quite ready for retirement yet, but already knows how he plans to keep busy. Carpentry has been a hobby for many years and he would like to repair antique furniture when he has the time.

He also plans to repair old televisions, radios and VCRs.

His coworkers are the biggest reason he has enjoyed such a long career.

"One of the greatest pleasures I've had is the people I've had the opportunity to work with," said Reynolds. "I've received homemade awards before from coworkers."

Those awards include a golden bolt welded on a chain made one year during the Olympics proclaiming Reynolds was the best tool and parts attendant on depot and a service award button for years of service which he treasures and displays.