CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea -- Another major trophy is coming to Camp Humphreys.
The Department of the Army has bestowed the Outstanding Resource Management Organization Award, for below the Army command level, to the United States Army Garrison Humphreys Directorate of Resource Management.
Criteria for the award includes: leadership; cost reductions in dollars or human resources; improvements in the timeliness and accuracy of information; enhanced customer service; streamlined policies and procedures; and standardized policies, procedures and systems.
The Humphreys directorate was noted for demonstrating the highest efficiency and effectiveness in group mission and function.
Barbara Towns, USAG Humphreys director of resource management, called the award the result of people in the office pulling together.
"We have a very good team and a close team," she said. "One year, we even went to Taiwan together over Thanksgiving. We have a really good working relationship. Everyone helps everyone else."
During the year for which the office is being recognized, it was missing a budget officer and one budget analyst. Also, it was a time of transition to a new financial system, both of which had to be closed during the year.
"On top of that, we had funding shortfalls and had to submit manpower reductions of 14 percent," Towns said. "And we're still in the midst of the biggest transformation in the Department of Defense. We had to reduce service contracts by 27 percent without impacting the quality of life for Soldiers and families, which is really a significant thing."
While working as a team was key, another big factor was the employees knowing their jobs.
"This was the result of the expertise and the knowledge of the individuals," Towns said. "It was really difficult because they had six months of training to do, in addition to their regular work. I don't know how they did it. It was incredible what they did."
The office also had to deal with a proposed manpower reduction that would have meant a loss of key positions. Towns and others were able to align manpower authorizations so that crucial missions could continue.
Though the situation could grow difficult at times, everyone always pulled together, according to Towns.
"I would go out and see five of them huddled around a computer trying to figure out the system. They would work together until they figured it out and got it right," she said.
Towns also credits garrison leadership for the success. She noted the support from directorates and from Col. Joseph P. Moore and David Frodsham, USAG Humphreys commander and deputy commander, respectively.
"Colonel Moore and David have been absolutely phenomenal and the trust the directors show in us is also one of the most important things," she said."
And all the hard work paid off. "When I found out we won, I jumped up and down. I told my staff and everybody started yelling and clapping," she said. "They were so excited. It was well-deserved."
Towns said serving Soldiers and their families is what drives the mission. Her father and husband both served and her son is in the Air Force.
"My philosophy is 'I care a lot about Soldiers and families,'" she said. "When I see a Soldier out there, I think, 'If that was my son, how would I want him to be treated?'"
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