Formica visits Fort Greely's fire department and new construction

FORT GREELY, Alaska -- On March 30, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command's Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry S. Turner visited Fort Greely, Alaska, to visit Soldiers and Department of the Army civilians and view progress on quality of life issues.

While there, Formica visited Fort Greely's Fire Department, and presented Fire Chief Jim Degnan and his team with a Certificate of Appreciation for their dedication and selfless service. The Fort Greely Fire Department won Fire Department of the Year (Small Department) 2010.

With 43 firefighters, three structural engines, two crash vehicles, one medium rescue with hazardous material and decontamination trailers, two wildland firefighting apparatuses, technical rescue equipment two 6x6 wheelers and two snow machines, the department helps to protect 7,200 acres on Fort Greely, 653,000 adjacent acres of mountainous terrain, and the Missile Defense Agency's Interceptor missile emplacement that stands ready to defend all 50 United States.

While at the Fire Department, Formica also presented firefighter Tony White with the Department of the Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. White won the DoD Civilian Firefighter of the Year 2010. White, who is directly responsible for organizing and developing the Advanced Life Saving ambulance units and their inventories, has given more than 630 total hours of live saving instruction to Fort Greely and the surrounding communities and more than 11,000 volunteer

hours in 2010.

In addition Formica toured the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Community Activity Center construction site. The new facility, scheduled to open in late fall of 2011, will contain

an eight lane bowling alley, restaurant, classrooms, and activity rooms with limitless possibilities.