FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Dave Harmon, director of Fort Jackson's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, recently received the Order of the White Plume Award -- the highest decoration in support of FMWR programs.
Harmon, who has been FMWR director for about 15 years, received the award in January for his contributions to enhancing the quality of life of Soldiers and family members. Harmon was one of four people to receive the award this year.
"Mr. Harmon's recognition as a 2010 White Plume award recipient is just a small way to pay tribute to one of the Army's best," said Col. Lillian Dixon, Fort Jackson garrison commander, who submitted the nomination. "Dave joins the ranks of a select few in the Army to earn this honor. His extensive experience and knowledge in the morale, welfare and recreation, has created state-of the-art facilities and programs that support the quality of life we promised to deliver in the Army Family Covenant. This recognition is indicative of the true service he provides to Soldiers, families, retirees and DA civilians."
Fort Jackson's FMWR operates the largest hotel program in the Army. Harmon said that because of the number of graduation visitors and the large military retiree population in the Midlands area, he and his staff have been able to receive funding for a lot of projects, such as building the Solomon Center and Palmetto Falls Water Park.
"The most noticeable thing that stands out is the amount of construction we've done," he said, noting that FMWR has spent more than $50 million on construction projects in recent years.
Harmon said he is most proud of providing quality programs to the Fort Jackson community.
"We take good care of Soldiers and families every day using the Army Family Covenant and the programs and services we provide," he said.
Harmon insisted that, although the decoration is for individuals, he views the award as recognition of his entire staff of about 1,000.
"Without that team, I couldn't have done any of that," Harmon said. "Some people would say, 'You're lucky.' Some people would say, 'You're smart.' I'd say, 'I've been lucky and smart to get a good, solid group of dependable, hard-working, industrious employees.' Surrounding myself with quality people makes my life easier."
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