FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Garrison employees got the opportunity this week to ask the garrison commander questions during a garrison-wide all hands meeting.
Employees filled the stands of the Solomon Center to hear a series of briefings, with topics ranging from the garrison budget to suicide prevention.
Employees were able to attend the meeting either Tuesday or yesterday.
Col. Lillian Dixon, garrison commander, said the meeting was long overdue.
"I should have done this a long time ago," she said. "I want you all to know how much you are appreciated for what you do on a day-to-day basis. Hats off to you because you have done a great job."
The purpose of the meeting was to provide the garrison's DA civilians with updates and other information.
Employees also got a chance to meet the new garrison command sergeant major, whose Assumption of Responsibility ceremony was Tuesday.
Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Culbertson told employees they were a necessity in the three facets that constitute a garrison; Soldiers, family members and civilians.
"I think when you combine all three together, that is what makes a great installation," he said.
One topic of discussion was the upcoming A-76 study -- a process in which installation agencies are assessed to determine whether certain jobs should be filled by DoD civilians or contractors.
The study, said Jim Pettus, with the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, is essentially a competition between government employees and contractors for who can best complete the job while adhering to a variety of factors, including cost effectiveness.
Pettus and Dixon stressed to employees that post leaders were putting together a very competitive bid and would fight to keep garrison jobs filled by government employees.
During a question and answer period, Pettus told employees that if contractors were chosen to take over, employees would be given a six-month transition period and would also have the "right of first refusal" for those jobs if they fell under the employees' same job descriptions.
Also discussed was the garrison budget, which is facing a shortfall for the fourth quarter, said Jerry Weidner, director of Resource Management. The shortfall is IMCOM-wide, he said, and although some budget cuts would have to be made, he said employees' pay checks are not in danger.
"There are no payroll limitations," he said. "You are going to get paid."
Dixon also took time to speak with employees about suicide in response to the recent suicide death of a Fort Jackson employee.
"That was a significant blow to me and everyone on Fort Jackson," she said.
Although all employees were to have attended suicide training, the training videos focused on Soldiers. Even those who do not wear an Army uniform are at risk for suicide and suicidal thoughts, Dixon said.
"You have to look at the signs in your teammates you sit next to every day," she said. "Sometimes the signs are not so apparent."
Chaplain (Col.) Henry Haynes, installation chaplain, gave a briefing and showed a video aimed at suicide prevention.
"The suicide rate is high. It is high across the nation, and it is high in the Army," he said.
Suicide happens, he said, "when pain exceeds the resources for coping with that pain."
He urged employees to use resources to help themselves or others who may be at risk for suicide.
Other topics discussed at the meeting were the civilian fitness program, early retirement plans and the Fort Jackson campaign plan.
Crystal.Y.Brown@us.army.mil
Social Sharing