By Cpl. Jordan Johnson
Third Army/ARCENT Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Third Army was presented with the Multiple Theater Projects Recognition Award during the 2011 Army Lean/Six Sigma Excellence Awards Program ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 29.
Third Army was recognized with the award for its outstanding projects that demonstrated excellence in the employment of LSS methodologies and achieving exceptional process improvement results, per the LEAP. Though it was a group effort, one Soldier made the trip to Washington.
"I don't consider myself the winner, but the representative on behalf of the winning team," said Lt. Col. Robert Thompson, Third Army/ARCENT (Forward) LSS team chief and New Smyrna Beach, Fla. native. "I can courier the award back, put it on the wall and give respect to those who deserve it."
To be eligible for the prestigious award, Third Army had to deliver results.
"We were recognized for multiple projects that were done here in theater last year," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Horlander, Third Army/ARCENT director of resource management and Tacoma, Wash. native. "I'm proud of the great professionals we have. We had some in Iraq until a few days ago, and still have several in Kuwait, Qatar and Afghanistan."
Two examples of the projects Brig. Gen. Horlander talked about: a $1.2 million mail-handling improvement process cost avoidance and an estimated three-year cost avoidance of $54.7 million by reducing the backlog of trucks at the Entry Control Point at Bagram Air Field.
For Brig. Gen. Horlander, he's been involved with LSS for a number of years now.
"The first time I was introduced to LSS was in 2007 when I returned from my first deployment in Iraq," Brig. Gen. Horlander stated. "I've been involved with it ever since in various commands."
Having so much experience with LSS has allowed Brig. Gen. Horlander to gain a solid understanding of what the program offers.
"It's an invaluable tool for commanders," said Brig. Gen. Horlander. "It allows them to see themselves; not just their organization, but the processes they have in place, and to make recommendations on how to reengineer these projects so our commanders out in the field can be more effective and efficient in supporting the Warfighter."
By helping the organization, LSS is helping Third Army shape the future of operations in the U.S. Army Central Command area of operations. Since LSS' implementation into Third Army, the group has been acknowledged for its work.
"Third Army deployed the program in 2009," stated Brig. Gen. Horlander. "Since then, it's had the distinguished honor of being recognized. In fact, this year is the second year in a row Third Army LSS professionals have been recognized for this award."
Brig. Gen. Horlander went on to express how much he appreciated his unit's hard work.
"I'm really proud of them," said Brig. Gen. Horlander. "They give such a great effort and really have become great teammates for a lot of the commanders and staffs out there and really helped provide some continuity."
While on the battlefield, Soldiers need equipment and supplies to sustain the fight. Third Army is leading the way to keep Servicemembers prepared.
"When you do LSS for ARCENT, you are the tip of the spear supporting the Warfighter," said Thompson.
Third Army is keeping its force ready tonight by streamlining efforts and saving taxpayer dollars.
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