Campus sees multiple quality-of-life enhancements

By U.S. ArmySeptember 27, 2016

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REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. --- The Army Materiel Command's top leader often says people are the command's number one resource.

AMC Commanding General Gen. Dennis L. Via put those words to action during his tenure, investing in several improvements to the AMC and U.S. Army Security Assistance Command campus to enhance the quality of life of his workforce.

"The campus was officially opened for business in 2011, but unfortunately many items the workforce valued were not immediately added due to funding and budgetary constraints," said Bo Bowers, AMC headquarters commandant.

Since 2012, the campus has incrementally evolved to balance costs and take care of people. Some of the improvements include: the Lakeside Café and lunch patio, dry cleaners, parade field, reception area, Hall of Fame honoree wall and much more.

"Most of the smaller projects are funded from the commandant's approved budget; however, many of our larger projects are funded with left-over funds at the end of the fiscal year coupled with senior leader approval," said Bowers.

The cafeteria, referred to as the Lakeside Café, is a detached facility of about 4,100 square feet with a full service kitchen, WiFi, and has seating for around 60 people. The staff marked the opening of Lakeside with a ribbon cutting Dec. 6, 2013. Just a week later, the Sustainer Grab-and-Go was unveiled during the Holiday Open House, giving employees a dry cleaners on-site and access to medicinal and convenience store items.

"One word sums up today, and that's persistence," said Via, during the ribbon cutting. "It took great vision, leadership and teamwork to make the cafeteria possible."

In 2015, a new reception area at the entrance to the AMC side of the building was added. The space is often used for small business and industry meetings, press conferences and post-ceremony receptions.

Earlier this year, a dining patio opened along with access to a walking trail between the AMC/USASAC campus and the Garrison headquarters.

"Gen. Via was instrumental in each of these enhancements to the building," said Bowers. "From creating the Hall of Fame to honor our employees, to stairwell enhancements to encourage taking the stairs, we are always looking at ways to improve workforce quality of life, and our leaders made it possible."

Still under construction is a vestibule area between USASAC and the Lakeside Café. It will feature turnstiles to improve security and a covered walkway that extends from the vestibule to the café‎. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2016.