WASHINGTON – The Department of the Army announces its five winners of the 10th Annual Army Community Partnership Awards.
"This year marks a major milestone for the Partnership program, celebrating 10 years of innovative and transformative Annual Army Community Partnerships,” said Hon. Jordan Gillis, Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy and Environment). “For a decade, these partnerships have exemplified the power of communities surrounding our Army installations and how they embrace not only our Soldiers but our culture and mission. Honoring our five outstanding winners is a tribute to the enduring impact these alliances have on our soldiers, families and local communities.”
The Army Community Partnership Awards Program highlights examples of exceptional cooperation and diligence that will encourage continued collaboration to achieve the full potential of community partnerships. The awardees represent partnerships that have improved quality of life for Soldiers and their families, enhanced readiness, driven modernization, and contributed to reform initiatives throughout the Army.
“Celebrating the 10th Annual Army Community Partnership Awards is a powerful reflection of the strength and impact these partnerships bring to the Army. For a decade now we have recognized our defense communities that have stood shoulder to shoulder with us to provide support, resources, and innovation that help us care for our soldiers and families, drive reform, and build resilience,” said Mr. Dave Leinberger, Chief of Army Community Partnerships.
The Army selected five winners and their neighboring communities that formed innovative partnerships that improved quality of life for Soldiers and families, enhanced readiness, modernized services, provided efficiencies, expanded capabilities and strengthened community relations.
- U.S. Army Garrison Hawaii Kolekole Pass Partnership: Kolekole pass is a federal road that is inaccessible to civilians across the island. If the civilian Farrington Highway emergency evacuation route becomes impassible, the Kolekole Pass Partnership (KPP) allows Kolekole pass to be opened for emergency civilian evacuation. This partnership improves maintenance on the pass and coordinates emergency evacuation training between Army, Navy, and local stakeholders. KPP’s combined efforts expanded the capability of the State and DoD to safely evacuate people in an emergency.
- ARMD and the State of Utah: The State of Utah, in conjunction with the University of Utah funded the construction of a $127 million, 2,000 member Army Reserve Center on Camp Williams, Utah. This supports the relocation of the Army Reserve from Fort Douglas, Utah, and allows the 49.7-acre historic property to be transferred to the University of Utah. The University will utilize the land to bridge connections between the campus, health care, and research park and give the University the flexibility to grow its academic, research, and health care mission.
- Fort Rucker and the Alabama Power Company: The utilities privatization partnership with Alabama Power Company directly enhances training capabilities at Fort Rucker by strengthening the resilience and reliability of the power infrastructure that supports mission-critical operations. Alabama Power installed approximately $194,000 worth of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA) operated switches across all three substations. Fort Rucker’s partnership with Alabama Power Company promotes installation resilience by performing the necessary maintenance, upgrades, and emergency response required on Fort Rucker’s utilities. The Alabama Power Company has the expertise and resources to manage installation utilities more effectively than previous efforts.
- USAG Wiesbaden, 2d Theater Signal Brigade and Wackernheim: The partnership significantly improves the Brigade's training capabilities. Training capabilities are improved through convenient access to the Wackernheim Range Complex, a valuable training environment located near the 2d Theater Signal Brigade’s facilities. This proximity translates into reduced transportation time and costs, allowing for more frequent and efficient training exercises for the Brigade, USAG Wiesbaden, and other units. The strong partnership between 2d Theater Signal Brigade and the Community of Wackernheim fosters a climate of open communication and mutual understanding. The direct line of communication between the Brigade leadership and the local mayors allows for swift and effective resolution of any issues that may arise.
- Fort Hood and Hill Country Transit District: The Connector ensures Soldiers/Families, who might otherwise be isolated or unable to access facilities due to lack of transportation, can participate in essential programs such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, and mental health support. By providing free reliable transportation, this service enables more individuals to engage in educational workshops, support groups, and therapy sessions fostering healthier behaviors and reducing the likelihood of harmful actions. In the first year of full operation 220,430 riders used the service. After the first three months of its second year, we've seen 52,863 instances of Soldiers / Family Members who've been provided transportation access to essential programs (Wellness Center, in / out-processing center, CDC, Chapel, Fitness Centers, Healthcare facilities, and AAFES). Since full service was initiated in March 2024, utilization of these key facilities has increased ~90%, leading to stronger, more resilient community.
Awardees included partnerships signed in fiscal years 2022-2025 by garrisons, reserve centers and armories. Submissions were evaluated using the following criteria:
- Improves Soldier/family quality of life
- Improves or enhances readiness
- Modernizes a service, system or process
- Provides cost or other efficiencies
- Expands capability
- Improves community relations
The awards ceremony will be held in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on December 9, 2025.
For additional information, please contact Mr. Dave Leinberger, Chief of Army Community Partnerships. David.J.Leinberger.civ@army.mil.
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