ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. – Three employees from U.S. Army Sustainment Command have been recognized as Quality Assurance Specialist (Ammunition Surveillance) of the Year for their role in munitions safety and quality.
QASAS personnel inspect ammunition to make sure the munitions provided to Soldiers are safe while being stored, reliable, and effective when used. They handle a wide range - everything from small arms ammunition to missiles and large rockets. QASAS falls under ASC, which is responsible for ensuring Soldiers have what they need, when and where they need it - ranging from food and clothing to gear and munitions.
QASAS of the Year is awarded annually to three experts who have shown exemplary efforts in the field. Kerri Clayton at Tooele Army Depot, John Torkelson at Hawthorne Army Depot (who was at U.S. Army Europe and Africa for the performance dates), and Paul Leykamm at ASC headquarters were this year's honorees. A panel of peers selected them out of a pool of 286 QASAS professionals across 130 locations worldwide because they went above and beyond in their duties, whether that's helping to train incoming QASAS fellows, mentoring coworkers, or testing cutting-edge equipment and capabilities.
“I’m proud of our QASAS professionals, whose dedication helps ensure the munitions our Soldiers depend on are safe, reliable, and ready when needed,” said Col. Thomas Boland, military deputy, Executive Director for Ammunition. “This year’s recipients represent the very best of that commitment.”
QASAS conduct daily inspections, perform visual mechanical, electrical and functional tests, and ensure that when personnel identify malfunctions or deficiencies in ammunition, missiles or rockets, they share that information across the whole community, allowing them to take fast action to prevent any further incidents. This ensures the safety of everyone involved - an important job with big consequences.
For Clayton, her past experience as a Soldier has deepened her appreciation for the importance of those in the QASAS field.
“I have been on the other side of needing these munitions and understand how important it is that it functions properly," Clayton said. "That has been the driving force behind all of my decisions as QASAS and something that I harp on when training new fellows and wage grade inspectors at TEAD. Every piece of our job is important, and someone’s life on the other end depends on it.”
"I think one of the most impactful things I've done over the last year has been training incoming QASAS fellows at TEAD," explained Clayton. "It has been a great honor to assist in shaping their journey and helping them build their toolbox to use in their future endeavors.”
Torkelson performed a variety of duties as a QASAS, including urgent testing and fielding of unmanned aircraft systems and counter UAS to support Ukraine and U.S. Central Command, which provided both with new strategic capabilities. He worked in Romania to identify and validate mission readiness of 14 coyote missiles and spearheaded the retrograde of 36 Patriot and 4 Hawk missiles, which reclaimed over $100 million for the Army.
He feels honored to be named. "I don’t get easily excited, but it is rewarding to be recognized by the senior QASAS in the program for all the years of work dedicated to our warfighters." However, Torkelson adds that the most rewarding part isn't the recognition but knowing the impact he is making.
"The most important, enjoyable, and rewarding part about my role is the fact I still get be around our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, ensuring they have the safest, most reliable and lethal munitions in the Department of War inventory."
Leykamm echoed Torkelson's thoughts. "One thing I think most of us are proud of is keeping our Soldiers safe when they're utilizing class V munitions and explosives, ammunition, missiles, and rockets. We keep them safe and have reliable weapon systems, and that's our duty."
That dedication is the foundation of Army readiness. The achievements of Clayton, Torkelson, and Leykamm are a clear example of how the commitment of individual experts guarantees the integrity of the entire supply chain. This foundational excellence enables ASC to synchronize, integrate, and deliver conventional munitions, ensuring lethal and ready capabilities for Army and Joint forces across the globe.
To learn more about the QASAS program, visit: www.army.mil/article/296107
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