PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J.— In May, the command team of the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) conducted their quarterly town hall to update the workforce on key developmental initiatives and to commend individuals and their project offices for exemplary contributions to Joint Force readiness and modernization as well as efforts to rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy.
Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer, highlighted the JPEO’s support of Army signature modernization priorities, including fielding the Next Generation Squad Weapon at the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and testing the 30mm proximity counter unmanned aerial systems and the cannon-delivered area effects munition at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Reim also emphasized the organization's dedication to supporting Armed Forces of Ukraine and Israeli Defense Forces.
“The JPEO A&A team has put in an incredible amount of work in order to provide improved capabilities to the Joint Warfighter, and we’re doing that at the speed of war” said Reim. “Today is the perfect day to pause and recognize the high caliber of our workforce. We couldn’t rebuild the Arsenal of Democracy without this team.”
The command team expressed their gratitude for the dedication and hard work of the Soldiers and civilians in their formation over the past year. Among those recognized was Keith Gooding, who received the Superior Civilian Service Medal for his exceptional 38-years of government service. Additionally, Chief Technology Officer Paul Manz was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal for his leadership in precision weapons and munitions, earning him the title "Father of Munition-Deployed NAVWAR."
Dr. Theresa A. Smith, Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition recognized the formation for service to their communities through volunteerism by presenting ten individuals with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Since its inception in 2003, the award program recognizes the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the national and inspires those around them to also take action.
“During this event we had the privilege to recognize 10 individuals who collectively submitted 9,112 hours of community service in 2023,” said Smith. In the words of George H.W. Bush “Any definition of successful life includes service to others.”
The awards included four bronze recipients—Robert Goetz, Matthew Walsh, Bruce Gorski, and Joann Courtland—and four gold recipients—Keith Gooding, Brian Gruchacz, Juan Patino, and Franklin Sherwood. Col. Leon L. Rogers, Project Manager for Combat Ammunition Systems, and Patty Reim, First Lady of Picatinny Arsenal, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
According to Rogers, he was surprised and honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. "Standing there and accepting the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award was a profound honor. This recognition is not just a testament to individual effort, but it underscores a universal truth: that our greatest fulfillment lies in service to others,” he said.
“Just as our military dedicate their lives to service to our nation, volunteering and giving back embodies who I am. It is important to ensure we give back to our communities because it fortifies, nurtures, and empowers a spirit of unity and resilience. I am surprised but deeply grateful for this award, and even more so for the opportunity to continue to serve and contribute to a legacy that will inspire others.”
Smith emphasized the importance of volunteerism and community service in addressing challenges.
“Be the change you want to see in your community,” said Smith.
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