Washington, D.C --Army G-4 has stood up 24/7 crisis teams within its operations center, sent logisticians to government-wide task forces, and learned how to maximize teleworkers in response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to LTG Duane Gamble, Deputy Chief of Staff for Army Logistics. He spoke recently at a Virtual Town Hall, in an empty Pentagon Auditorium, but listened to by his entire staff scattered throughout the Washington DC area.
“We are as impactful to our Army as we have ever been,” he said. “We have set up the ground work so we can anticipate and respond to the growing needs our Nation will have during the next several months.”
Army G-4 established a lean and agile Logistics Operations Center that operates day and night at two locations. As increased needs arise -- such as providing supply chain oversight, distribution capabilities, asset visibility, or use of contractors through LOGCAP -- the center can quickly pass the information onto G-4 logistics action officers to determine how the Army can best meet those needs.
In addition, G-4 representatives are now located at both FEMA and the COVID Task Force Headquarters, enabling them to learn early what the needs are, so the Army can assist.
“Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of our Soldiers, civilians, family members, and contractors,” LTG Gamble said. “We will preserve our war fighting capabilities by preserving the force.”
To that end, the G-4 tracks the health of all employees daily, and has maximized teleworking, with only 21 percent of the staff coming to the Pentagon.
His advice to all workers: use common sense. “If you feel sick, or are not yourself, stay home. It only takes one person to come to work, who does not feel well, and that could shut us down.”
He had special praise and thanks for the staff who diligently clean the Pentagon, and those staff who keep their workspaces clean to preserve everyone’s health; he also thanked the information technology experts who have worked hard to set the teleworkers up for success.
Two other G-4 leaders were on stage with LTG Gamble. Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4, William Moore, who said, “we are creating a playbook as we go. I can’t be any prouder of how we have adjusted.” And G-4 Sergeant Major, Edward Bell, who thanked leadership for enabling the staff to so quickly move to a crisis operation.
Although the Town Hall was virtual, LTG Gamble continued the tradition of honoring outstanding staff. CPT Jodi Corcoran was named Action Officer of the Quarter for developing a G-4 Action Officer Guide, and spearheading participation in the Combined Federal Campaign and G-4 holiday celebrations, exemplifying the importance she places on organizational camaraderie and teamwork.
He also virtually presented the following awards: 35-year service awards to Carlos Disla, Kenneth Gary, and Rhonda Cunningham-Still; 30-year service awards to Lateefah Bush and Sylvette Tillman; a 20-year service award to Seth Gladstone; a 15-year service award to Kimberly Morris; 10-year service awards to Kathryn DeBenedetto and Diana Shally-Grolimund; and an Army Staff Badge to Stephanie Schwind.
LTG Gamble also paid tribute to G-4’s LTC Marvin Kellem, a 31-year veteran, who passed away last month. LTC Kellem served in Desert Storm and the War in Iraq. He came to the G-4 in 2018, and was responsible for improving readiness through his work on optimizing Army maintenance equipment. “He was a real people person, who connected with everyone, and a mentor to so many. His Army family is heartbroken, and we are forever grateful for his service,” LTG Gamble said.
Social Sharing