ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Diamonds are the most valuable and precious commodity in the world.
They form deep within the earth's surface while under intense heat and pressure. As they are molded, they begin to mature into brilliant and beautiful stones of tremendous value. When ready, these unmatched gems are brought to the earth's surface by extreme natural or manmade forces.
Anniston Army Depot is a diamond in AMC's Organic Industrial Base, typified by the upcoming celebration of our Diamond Anniversary. Next week, we will celebrate 75 years of supporting our nation's warfighters from 1941 to 2016!
Like the stunning jewels formed by nature, ANAD has formed under the intense heat and pressure resulting from dire circumstances -- international and global armed conflicts.
Since 1941, ANAD has been called to duty and pressed into action time and time again. With each call, the team of teams here at Anniston, across our communities and alongside our industry partners, has produced combat equipment and secondary items which have given our troops a competitive advantage no matter where they have been called to serve.
The old adage, 'we've come a long way, baby' is quite fitting as we approach our 75th anniversary. When I think of the growth, adaptation and progress we have made as a depot and as a member of this community and region since 1941, I am truly amazed!
Even for all of the changes we have witnessed, one thing has remained constant: our unqualified drive to support America's warfighters!
From its origin to now, ANAD has transformed into a state-of-the-art, world class industrial-grade maintenance facility. Today, because of you, our highly skilled and uniquely qualified professionals, we are known as the "Pit Crew of the American Warfighter."
We look forward to the incredible festivities planned for the Sept. 1 celebration and the opportunity to spend time with all of you. On behalf of Michael Burke and Phillip Trued, all the directors and depot leaders, we thank you, once again, for the commitment to excellence you show in the work you perform daily.
It is because of you, and the impressive and important work that you do each day, that we host nearly 2,000 distinguished guests and visitors each year!
It is because of the collective efforts of our expert technicians, artisans, managers and leaders that we are often recognized by senior officials for our tremendous performance as a crown jewel in AMC and TACOM.
So, on Sept. 1, we hope to see you all take advantage of the activities and special events we have in store. We've asked a lot from the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation's staff, and, with help from numerous volunteers and the AFGE Local 1945, they have delivered! Come see for yourself! With nearly $50, 000 in a combination of sponsorships, donations and door prizes, it promises to be a day to remember!
You will be released from your work sites at 9 a.m., so you can be in place at 9:30 a.m. when the AMC's band jumpstarts the day. At 10 a.m., the Opening Ceremony kicks off, where, in addition to some of our nation's leaders who will speak to us, we will have a special cake cutting ceremony -- no birthday party is complete without cake!
It really will be a great bash, with activities for all ages. If you happen to be in the vicinity of the dunking booth, somehow my name made it to the top of the list for the 11 a.m. time slot. Other "dunkees" include Lt. Col. McIlwain, Phil Trued and Lavon Stephens. More importantly, the list of dunking booth candidates is growing each day! Come join us in the fun and camaraderie as we really want you to have a good time.
Enjoy the company of coworkers, family and friends and, hopefully, walk away with one of the grand door prizes. Drawings begin at 3:35 p.m.
Lastly, a note about safety: Next weekend leads to the Labor Day holiday, our last opportunity to relax with friends and family before the summer ends. Whether you are traveling or relaxing at home, make safety a deliberate part of your plans. We need each of you to come back safely and continue the important work our nation has called us to perform.
Let's kick off the next 75 years of excellence in style! See you on Sept. 1 for ANAD's Diamond Anniversary! Once again, thanks for all you do to proudly support our Army and all our nation's warfighters.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
11 a.m.-2 p.m. On-going displays and events
Displays on-going: Museum Support Center, Marshall Flight Center, Jacksonville State University Science Truck, Center for Domestic Preparedness, combat vehicles, Anniston Museum of Natural History and aviation display
Events on-going: Dunking booth, tug of war, cake walk, horseshoes, rubber puck, corn hole, line dancing, popcorn stand, t-shirt sales, health screenings, sponsor displays, food tasting, Civilian Marksmanship Program shooting range, motorcycle/car show, Texas hold 'em, spades, bid whist, Bingo, poker, dominoes and depot windshield tour
Kid Zone: Face painting, sack race, slide and moonwalk, Home Depot kids workshop, rock wall and laser tag
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Poker run
11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. -- Animal show
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Hot dog eating contest
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. -- Table tennis tournament
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Power lifting
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. -- Home-run derby
1-2 p.m. -- Barbecue cook-off awards (chicken-1 p.m., pork-1:30 p.m., beef- 2 p.m.)
1-3 p.m. -- Basketball tournament/free throw tournament
1:30-2:45 p.m. -- Chris Jamison performance
2:15-3:15 p.m. -- Talent show
3-3:30 p.m. -- David and Goliath
3:35-4 p.m. -- Grand prize drawings at the main stage
MAIN STAGE SCHEDULE
9:30-10 a.m. -- Patriotic music by the Army Materiel Command Band
10-10:45 a.m. -- Opening Ceremony and cake cutting
10:45-11 a.m. -- Coldwater Kids performing "You're a Grand Old Flag"
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. -- Hot dog eating contest in the grassy area in front of the Main Stage
12:30-1 p.m. -- Heart Notes performance
1:30-2:45 p.m. -- Chris Jamison performance
3:35-4 p.m. -- Door prizes
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