CO: I'm grateful this season for all ANAD has accomplished

By Col. Joel Warhurst, ANAD CommanderDecember 14, 2018

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Team Anniston -- This is such an awesome time of the year.

As we prepare for the holiday season, I want you to know an organization is nothing without its employees and I am fortunate to have such a dedicated team.

Your personal commitment ensures our men and women in uniform receive the support they need and deserve.

Our top priority is readiness; ensuring our Soldiers have the tools they need to be ready to fight and win.

As one of the Army's Organic Industrial Bases, Anniston Army Depot is postured to meet today's readiness requirements and prepare for the next contingency.

We have much to be proud of and it is because of your service and dedication.

This year appears to have moved rather rapidly, but, our accomplishments have been numerous.

The delivery of more than 427 combat vehicles, 1,784 subassemblies and 15,708 small arms weapons in fiscal year 2018 adds to the assurance of the best-equipped and sustained fighting force in the world.

You continued to complete and deliver our products on schedule, which drives an improved Performance to Promise. We are currently executing at 95 percent, with continued improvements expected.

You also extended your tremendous capacity for support to the communities which surround the depot.

This year, you donated 640 units of blood during the four quarterly blood drives. As each unit can save up to three lives, you potentially impacted 1,920 people.

As the holidays approached, you again stepped up, ensuring 180 children in protective custody with the Calhoun County Department of Human Resources would receive gifts this Christmas.

This year, you've truly shown ANAD has a giving spirit.

Each of you are unequivocally critical to all we do. However you choose to celebrate this season, please do so safely.

This season is filled with joy and happiness and a time to gather with family and friends.

It is also a very busy time, whereas our schedules are often overbooked. I ask you to stay focused.

Allow a few minutes to think about each other as well as our service men and women who are deployed and who've sacrificed for our sake to make our enjoyment of the holidays possible.

While this period is cheerful for most people, the holidays can also be lonely and stressful for other individuals. Please reach out to those who are alone or who may be suffering in silence. Take them under your wing during the holidays.

If help is needed, please let us know -- One Team.

My wife, Andrea and I are truly blessed by serving with you all. My family is proud to be a part of the community and this great team.

Again, thank you for all your hard work and sheer dedication, of which I know will continue for years to come.

From the Warhurst family to yours - we wish you all Happy Holidays and continued good fortune in the New Year.