HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara was bestowed upon Col. David Almquist, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command deputy chief of staff for Operations, Plans and Strategy (G-3/5), during the Huntsville chapter, Air Defense Artillery Association's (ADAA) annual St. Barbara Ball, Feb. 8.
According to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Araceli Rial, AMCOM's missile maintenance officer, Almquist "contributes significantly to the improvement of Air Defense Artillery and the Army Community overall. He works tirelessly in his capacity as the Chief of Operations for AMCOM, in which he was responsible for delivering responsive materiel readiness for Air Defense Artillery weapon systems."
The Honorable Order of Saint Barbara recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character, displayed an outstanding degree of competence and served the United States Army Air Defense Artillery Branch with selflessness. They must have significantly contributed to the promotion of the Air Defense Artillery in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers alike.
The nomination narrative highlighted just a few of Almquist's contributions to Soldiers around the world. "Over the last three years, Almquist's leadership provided direction to the Readiness Directorate ensuring readiness programs were properly established and monitored in order to optimize warfighter capabilities at the point of need. This included several key reforms in readiness accessibility tools, reporting and new initiatives, such as the human capital investment with the Army Materiel Command Logistics Assistance Representatives to better assist Soldiers with specific weapon systems in any type of operational environment," according to the narrative.
Rial noted that Col. Almquist's efforts to inform, educate and change cultural norms to improve equipment readiness and maintenance has enabled better-equipped, knowledgeable AMCOM employees to provide the best service to our warfighters.
"His ability to energize teams and lead with the highest integrity made him instrumental in providing logistical and maintenance support to the soldiers of the Air Defense Artillery Community," said Rial.
Induction into the Order of St. Barbara is a significant achievement in any Soldier's career, according to Almquist.
"I am extremely humbled and proud to be inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara; however, this recognition is not about me," said Almquist. "It is a testament to commitment and professionalism of the Soldiers, civilians and units I have worked with over my career in service to our Nation."
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