Texarkana, TX - Becoming the first Army installation to win the Robert T. Mason Award for Depot Maintenance Excellence in 2006 wasn't enough for the workforce of the Red River Army Depot -- so, they decided to repeat the victory in 2009.
The Department of Defense has announced RRAD as the recipient of the 2009 Robert T. Mason Depot Maintenance Excellence Award, the single highest award for depot maintenance. The award is given for RRAD's exceptional support of the Army's Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Program.
The Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards for the depot and field levels are presented annually to recognize outstanding achievements in military equipment and weapon systems maintenance.
In 2006, RRAD received the Mason Award for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Program.
"We all are very proud of the tremendous teamwork at RRAD," said Maj. Gen. Scott G. West, commanding general of TACOM Life Cycle Management Command.
RRAD began deploying civilian personnel to various locations in Iraq and Afghanistan in June 2007 for maintenance of the MRAP vehicles.
In August 2007, Red River spearheaded the MRAP logistics demonstration. The eight-month event created manuals for each vehicle variant allowing the Soldiers in the field to gain maintenance and operational knowledge of the vehicles.
RRAD is also the host location for MRAP University, a unique 'one-stop' learning facility dedicated to MRAP vehicle technical support for each variant of the vehicle.
"Winning the Robert T. Mason or any award is truly a great team effort from the people of RRAD," said Col. Daniel G. Mitchell, RRAD Commander. "I am proud of every individual here because they realize the importance of the job they carry out each day."
The depot-level award is named in recognition of Robert T. Mason, a former assistant deputy under secretary of defense for maintenance policy, programs and resources.
"It is obvious that they decided to be the best - both to turn out the highest quality products for our service men and women and to stake their claim for the Depot's future as an integral component of the Department of Defense," commented Texarkana, Texas Mayor Steve Mayo.
The depot-level award is named in recognition of Robert T. Mason, a former assistant deputy under secretary of defense for maintenance policy, programs and resources.
The awards will be presented to the winners at the Secretary of Defense Maintenance Awards banquet on Oct. 28 in Phoenix, Ariz.
"Once scheduled for closure, Red River Army Depot now serves as a global leader in developing innovative processes and fostering a commitment to excellence throughout the organization, said Texarkana, Texas CEO/City Manager Dr. Larry Sullivan. "We marvel at their accomplishments and congratulate everyone at the Depot on this well-deserved recognition."
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