Beyond the Mission: Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition Volunteers Shine

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. — Picatinny Arsenal teammates from the Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) were recently presented with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizing their outstanding commitment to service in 2024.

During a JPEO A&A event on April 30th, Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer, and Dr. Theresa A. Smith, Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, honored 27 individuals who volunteered a remarkable 4,820 hours of service in 2024.

Award recipients include:

• Bronze Award: Michael P. Baker, Patricia M. DeCandia, Joseph Galyean Jr., John Laskowski, Kaitlin J. Tani, Louisa J. Valentin Melendez, Christine Arsego, Michelle Lynn Ramsey-Moody, and MAJ Bart AJ Scocco.
• Silver Award: Christopher Beatty, Brian J. Gruchacz, Orest W. Hrycak, Kyle Thalmann, Azamat Villar, and Matthew Walsh.
• Gold Award: Joann Courtland and Stefanie Hagan.
• Also Recognized: Jennifer Hieber, Kerry Henry, Fredrick Willecke, James Chang, Nicholas Glazewski, Barbara Gabbard, Kerri Ivey, Kristian Kleinbach, and Jamie Parker.

Reim praised the recipients for their commitment, “These individuals generously contributed their time and talents to strengthen our community.” He highlighted that their collective efforts positively impacted a wide range of organizations, including local churches, youth sports teams, scouting organizations, animal welfare, and other vital community initiatives.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 by President George H.W. Bush to acknowledge individuals who dedicate their time and effort to strengthening communities across the United States. To receive the 2024 award, volunteers must have contributed 100 or more hours of service within a calendar year. As Bush once said, “Any definition of a successful life includes service to others.”

“This year’s outstanding group of volunteers, who have given so much of themselves in and out of work, demonstrate the high caliber of individuals working at JPEO A&A and throughout the Army acquisition enterprise. It is an honor to be part of such a devoted group,” said Reim.