Fort Detrick's DPW saves thousands, enhances readiness with in-house project

By Erickson BarnesJuly 1, 2025

FORT DETRICK, Md. -- Fort Detrick’s Directorate of Public Works (DPW) demonstrated exceptional value and efficiency while completing critical infrastructure improvements at Building 1430 recently.

The DPW team proactively addressed a critical safety concern at the home of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) by repairing a crumbling concrete awning on the building's exterior – a task that would typically involve a lengthy and costly contracting process. As one of a handful of the Army's only full-time federal employee DPW crews, their in-house efforts saved the Army approximately $244,000.

Army installations receive limited resources for infrastructure projects each fiscal year, which requires prioritization and, sometimes, creativity to work within the budget. Due to safety concerns for USAMMDA personnel, this project was a high priority for Fort Detrick’s senior commander, Maj. Gen. Paula Lodi, and the Garrison’s command team.

"The DPW team proactively stepped up and said they could handle the job – and they did," said Col. Christopher Chung, Fort Detrick’s Garrison Commander.

The dedicated team responsible for the Building 1430 repair included Jason Campbell, Randy Blair, Jerry Carbaugh, Taylor Chase, Curtis Dryman, Mike Moore, Stanley Clabaugh, Corey Carbaugh, and Greg Bonner.

The DPW team proactively addressed a critical safety concern at the home of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity by repairing a crumbling concrete awning on the building's exterior. (Photo courtesy of Installation Safety Office)
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The DPW team proactively addressed a critical safety concern at the home of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity by repairing a crumbling concrete awning on the building's exterior. (Photo courtesy of Installation Safety Office) (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Installation Safety Office) VIEW ORIGINAL
The DPW team proactively addressed a critical safety concern at the home of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity by repairing a crumbling concrete awning on the building's exterior.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The DPW team proactively addressed a critical safety concern at the home of U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity by repairing a crumbling concrete awning on the building's exterior. (Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Installation Safety Office) VIEW ORIGINAL