Army Community Service celebrates 51 years of service

People representing all duty positions, ranks and roles helped Army Community Service celebrate 51 years of service to the Army, its Soldiers and families during a 51st anniversary celebration, Music and Mocktails, in Bldg. 201 on the Fort Myer portion of Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall July 22.

Since 1966, ACS at JBM-HH has ensured the critical readiness of service members, retirees, civilians and their families through an array of support. The event highlighted the mission of ACS, and also served as an open house for people unfamiliar with the 14 programs within ACS--programs ranging from financial readiness to family advocacy and survivor outreach services, among others.

These programs have evolved based on the needs of the community, according to Kelly N. Smith, acting chief for JBM-HH Army Community Service. Some of the newer offerings include life skills classes and classes to enhance marriages.

"We support mission readiness and serve thousands of people a year," Smith said. "But in order for our service members to be mission ready, they and their families have to be ready."

That's where ACS fits in. ACS is both actively engaged on the installation and in outreach with other installations and civic organizations to reach Soldiers and their families, Smith said.

Surrounded by photographs, news clippings, and other memorabilia including decades-old ACS staff uniforms, current staffers and volunteers sipped on mocktails and handed out brochures while they shared stories about their commitments to help people adapt to the challenges associated with military life.

"My vision is for more people to get better acquainted with our staff and volunteers, but also learn more about the services and programs that we have to offer them," said Kathy Feehan, Army Volunteer Corps program manager. "The Employment Readiness Program, for example, includes resume reviews and critiques, interviewing skills, and other important components that if done with a private company could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, that's provided within ACS for free."

"This is an event where people can look at five decades worth of history on display, but also put a face with a name and learn where our individual program offices are located," Smith said. "We're here for the betterment of the people."

ACS can be found online at www.jbmhhmwr.com/army-community-service-acs or call 703-696-3510.