FORT BUCHANAN, PR--The US Army Garrison Fort Buchanan held an Organizational Day and 1st Quarter Town Hall Meeting which included presentation to the winner, the coveted golden Garrison Cup at the installation’s Cabaña Picnic area October 21, 2022.
Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Roderick W. Hendricks began with some welcome remarks to the garrison directors, work force and tenants participating in the competitions. The Deputy to the Garrison Commander, Yvette L. Castro also welcomed all the participants, while she and Command Sgt. Maj. Hendricks noted that the Garrison Commander was not yet present…to everyone’s surprise the Garrison Commander Col. Tomika M. Seaberry was there the entire time, but in disguise, sitting amongst the workforce and heckling in fun the speakers.
Col. Seaberry emphasized that the goal for the event was to have an enjoyable day of fellowship, communicate with all members of the Fort Buchanan family and recognize outstanding performance.
“Be safe today and always and as the holiday season approaches remember do the right thing. Don’t drink and drive, don’t let anyone, not friends nor family, drink and drive. Do as we do in the Army take care of each other,” said the Safety and Occupational Health Officer, Carlos J. Alvarado during his safety briefing.
Directorate of Family and, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) Supervisory Sports Specialist, Roberto Fernández, lead for the Org. Day events, provided an overview of the eleven competitions: Dominoes; Home Run Derby; Doubles Tennis; Corn Hole; Volleyball; Table Tennis; Hula Hoop; Plank Race; 3 on 3 Basketball; Bocce Ball and Tight Rope Walking. He and FMWR Staff maintained records of the teams, game participants and scores throughout the day.
In a special presentation, Puerto Rico/Honduras Army Air Force Exchange (Exchange) General Manager, Andrea’ B. Frazier, Col. Seaberry and Command Sgt. Maj. Hendricks presented Exchange Associate, María Ines Cruz Díaz with certificates in appreciation for over 21 years of exceptional support, commitment and service to the Fort Buchanan Military and Civilian community.
The day’s events were filled with camaraderie, team cohesion, unity and friendly competition.
“This is the best! To be here, sharing with each other, having fun,” said Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technician, Efrain Feliciano.
“This is my first-time playing Tennis, it’s a very interesting game, but maybe next time they’ll bring oxygen for us folks over 50! It’s very intense. I had great fun,” said FMWR Child and Youth Service (CYS) Isaac Cruz.
After all the games, the 1st Quarter Town Hall meeting was held with Garrison Public Affairs Officer, Grissel Rosa serving as master of ceremony. The meeting began with Col. Seaberry leading a question-and-answer session where members from the workforce presented questions about a variety of concerns such as gate access; access to and communication with the Department of Defense School Activity (DODEA) schools; the elaboration of specific policies with regards to schools, children's behaviors and repercussions and access for use of the Commissary on post. Installation Staff Judge Advocate Lt. Col. Ignacio D. Maramba assisted in clarifying and answering some of the questions raised with the legal reasoning for the determinations for some decisions.
“This day has served to take a break and appreciate each other,” said Col. Seaberry, as she also reviewed the past year's events up to the passing of Hurricane Fiona, highlighting “that the installation never closed or stopped serving it’s community.”
During the awards portion of the Town Hall, certificates with pins were presented for ten and thirty-five of Service to the Nation were presented. Followed by presentation of US Army Certificates of Appreciation to various garrison directorate staff for their outstanding support during Hurricane Fiona Response and Recovery Operations presented to members of the Directorates of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, Human Resources, Public Works, Resource Management Office and the Public Affairs Office. An SES letter of commendation was also presented from Resources, Installations and Materiel Chief Financial Officer and Director, SES, Stephen K. Sullivan.
After the awards recognitions came the long-awaited announcement of the winners of the golden Garrison Cup. In first place and winner of the Garrison Cup was FMWR. With the announcement of the winner the entire room erupted with congratulatory shouts and applause.
“What a more befitting way for me to leave command than to give away this trophy. You guys truly deserve this, you all worked late to make this happen. It’s an honor to give this away, what a way to come into an organization (talking to Scott Abell),” said Col. Seaberry as she handed the trophy to Abell.
“The Commander can come downstairs anytime she wants to visit the Garrison Cup. I knew, I’ve been here two weeks, that we have the best FMWR team, well done everybody! Congratulations to CYS, DPW and all the other teams, good job!” said FMWR Business and Recreation Division Chief Scott D. Abell.
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