FORT LEE, Va. (Nov. 8, 2012) -- Five CASCOM employees were named game changers and recognized by Gen. Robert Cone, commanding general of Training and Doctrine Command, during his visit to Fort Lee Nov. 1.
Three Department of the Army Civilians -- Keith Orage, Quartermaster School Logistics Training Department deputy director; Sam Burns, Ordnance School Wheel Maintenance Training Department course manager and instructional systems specialist; and Ron Jaeckle, Army Logistics University Logistics Leader College dean -- and two Soldiers -- 1st Lt. Daniel Salley, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, 244th QM Battalion, S-3 officer in charge; and Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Williams, Training Corps Proponency Officer Career Management NCO -- were honored for special contributions to their corps and schools.
"Nothing makes me happier than to say thank you for what you do for our Soldiers," said Cone, after presenting command coins to the game changers in front of Mifflin Hall. "Thanks a lot."
Jaeckle said he was surprised to be named a game changer for CASCOM and didn't even know of the recognition until the day prior.
"Though I am very appreciative to be recognized, I feel I am just receiving recognition on behalf of my team," he said. "I think I was recognized because of the amazing Soldiers and civilians on my team within the Logistics Leader College who are doing a lot of great things in leader development."
Being a team player is also why Salley said he was selected for the honor for which he's humbled and appreciative.
"I make things happen and always go the extra mile and encourage others to do the same," said Salley. "I am a team-first type of person. I believe in taking care of my fellow Soldiers and their Families. I believe that I have aided in the increased morale of the organization.
"It really means a lot to be honored, because it's not every day you get recognized." he continued. "I am very thankful for my team and leadership because without them, I wouldn't be where I am today."
The feeling of being honored is tremendous, said Burns, while mentioning it's the collective teamwork and achievement of Ordnance School that made him a game changer.
"I think that I was recognized as a game changer because I am a team player," he said. "Simply put, I do what I am asked, take the initiative to find resolutions and present recommendations to my leadership. I learned as a former officer not to be tied to a specific recommendation and that once a decision is made ... execute. We are a mission-oriented organization, and I try to put my efforts toward mission accomplishment."
Burns is new to the Civilian sector after being hired in 2011 and said he is humbled by the honor.
"The Ordnance School has provided me with so many great opportunities to excel and I do not take it for granted," he said. "I attended a leadership program earlier this year and their first piece of advice to us was "to be comfortable being uncomfortable" -- and that is how I go about my business."
Opportunities within the organization help create game changers, said Orage.
"It is a great feeling to be named a game changer," he said. "It provides a degree of confirmation that we are on the right path as an organization. It encourages you to stay the course and pursue goals with even more vigor."
Within Orage's department, he said he tries to create an environment that cultivates and stimulates creativity.
"I encourage full participation of the entire workforce in our collective pursuit of the very best for our Soldiers and the entire workforce," he said. "We are all blessed with gifts and talents, but we must be willing to fully pursue and share them in the advancement of our organization and our Army. We should all try our best to possess a telescopic view of challenging situations … to see possibilities as oppose to limitations."
Being named a game changer is a great honor for Williams, who said it is a privilege to know his work and efforts recognized by TRADOC.
"It feels great to know that what we do makes a difference," he said. "I realize that my job affects all of my superiors, peers and subordinates within the Transportation Corps. It's a rare opportunity to be able to work at this level and see how things are shaping up for the future within the eight lifecycle functions of the Army."
A game changer is someone who makes a difference, said Williams.
"They make things better," he said. "It's about being a force for good in the Army or your career field. Everyone can make an impact. Having the right ideas is not enough, you must act on them and execute to the best of your abilities. Put your points and performance across with clarity, confidence and conviction. Get your point across in such a way that people not only sit up and take notice, but act on your recommendations."
Jaeckle said he also believes anyone can make a difference.
"I buy the Army's concept of mission command -- give folks the intent, organize resources to get the job done and get out of the way," he said. "Check the progress along the way and give folks the benefit of the experiences you have had. That's how I think leaders can make an impact. And everyone can make an impact by continuing to develop themselves and trying to apply that knowledge to what we do every day."
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