ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- The crisp air, holiday traditions and spirit of giving leave a feeling of magic and happiness for many people this time of year. For others less fortunate, it may be harder to see the magic shine through.
Dedicated volunteers from the U.S. Army Combat Capability Development Center, known as CCDC, Data & Analysis Center, or DAC, participate in a Holiday Family Committee, located at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
The committee was founded by two employees in the 1980s, with the purpose of partnering with the community and brightening the holidays of local families in need. The tradition of bringing joy and hope to the community continues into this year's holiday season.
According to Dottie Newcomer, APNT CFT analysis program manager and committee lead for the past five years, "This year DAC Holiday Families is proud to say that 48 children and 2 adults were adopted from local nonprofits we work with in Harford County." Dottie has been a committee member since 2011 and helped deliver donations to homes. She saw firsthand the difference and impact the program made on the community, deciding to take on the soon to be vacant lead. She plans to remain a member and assist the committee in any way she can.
The committee also was able to stock organizations with much needed supplies, from diapers to bath products to mops. Additionally, local families were supplied with donated jackets, hats, gloves and scarves to keep them warm this winter season.
Grateful for the opportunity to give back to local families, Colleen Pleasanton, DAC operations research analyst, took over as lead of the committee this year but has been a member since 2009. "I've enjoyed watching the committee grow and change through the years and it's been wonderful to see the generosity of my colleagues; their kindness never ceases to amaze me."
The outreach program has assisted 182 families and 597 people and raised over $50,000 from 2009 to 2019.
Not only do the people in the community benefit from the Holiday Family Committee's activities, DAC benefits too. The gift of giving brings a sense of camaraderie between participants who share interest in the same cause.
DAC hopes and plans to continue this tradition for many years to come.
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The CCDC DAC has a vast array of capabilities, including integrated analysis from concept to fielding, cyber and electronic warfare vulnerability and resiliency, kinetic lethality and vulnerability, authoritative models and data for modernization decisions, Soldier-centered performance design impacts and weaponeering tools for multi-domain operations. As the Army's authoritative source of integrated analytical solutions for the Soldier and FFME, CCDC DAC will ensure the Army decisively defeats any adversary, anytime, anywhere, including support to the modernization priorities.
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