Range control employees recognized for efforts

By Eve Meinhardt/ParaglideJanuary 28, 2010

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - On Oct. 30, two civilians entered Observation Point 5 on Fort Bragg scavenging for scrap metal. One of the men, 47-year-old, Ronnie Blue from Hamlet, N.C., is believed to have stepped on a round that exploded and killed him.

Fort Bragg Garrison Commander, Col. Stephen Sicinski, recognized two Fort Bragg employees who played instrumental roles in retrieving Blue's remains in a ceremony at the Range Control headquarters Jan. 21.

"I hardly ever get to do this and when I do, it's a distinct pleasure," said Sicinski as he presented Bill Edwards, Fort Bragg installation range officer, and Wolf Amacker, Range Control chief of operations, with the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and commander's coins. "I know that being recognized for what they did is just the tip of the iceberg, though, and that they do great things here each and every day."

Scottie D. Custer, training division chief at the Directorate of Plans, Training and Mobilization, said Edwards and Amacker helped ensure everything went smoothly and that all the elements involved in the operation were kept informed so they could better work together.

"Bill and Wolf are two of the most gifted civilian employees on the Fort Bragg team," said Custer. "What they do on the daily basis and the abilities they have, make them invaluable."

Both Edwards and Amacker were humble about what they did and said they were just doing their job.

"I just consider what we did as part of our job in keeping Fort Bragg safe and ensuring training is able to take place," said Amacker.