DETROIT ARSENAL, Warren, Michigan (Dec. 10, 2012) - One major milestone in a year is often enough, but for Henry "Joe" Wright of the Product Director for Army Watercraft Systems (PD AWS) team, one milestone was just the reason for a "marathon" celebration.
By day, Mr. Wright supports life cycle management for important Army watercraft systems. Dually responsible as both a System Acquisition Manager and a System Acquisition Project Officer for PD AWS, he manages the modification requirements for the Army's LCM8s or "Mike Boats" as well as Barge Derrick Cranes--ensuring vital littoral and heavy transport capabilities for America's land forces.
"I have had the pleasure of serving with Joe since 2008, as he worked in both PM Joint Light Tactical Vehicle and PD AWS," said Shannon Tighe, Product Director for Army Watercraft Systems. "In both positions, Joe is the guy you could always count on to get things done and to take care of the people with whom he works. His commitment to duty and that honored Marine Corps tradition of 'no one left behind' is evident in everything Joe does. We are lucky to have him on our team."
Despite his demanding duties, Mr. Wright also recently set out to finish a college degree long deferred while serving his family and his country. A retired Marine and father of five, Mr. Wright valued the importance of setting the right example for his adult children. So at the age of 58, he hit the books in pursuit of a Bachelors degree in Business Leadership.
In August of 2012, he graduated and decided to celebrate by running the U.S. Marine Corps Marathon. This retired Marine and former Marine Corps Reservist of the Year has seen his share of adventure in Iraq and other exotic locales, but this was his first lasting twenty-six miles. Following their dad's lead, two of his daughters joined him for the grueling twenty-week training program and the race that followed.
"I finished vertical," Joe said, "and I'm proud of that. It wasn't easy, but I needed to set the right example for my children." He added, "I've had great leadership and mentoring support here at PD AWS, and the people really are the best part of the job."
Now it's back to work for Joe on the PD AWS team, at the leading edge of developing the Army's proposed Family of Maneuver Support Vessels Light variant--the proposed replacement for the 40 year old LCM8 vessels. Mr Wright will support the emerging requirement and prepare to support a new acquisition to improve capabilities for Army mariners. With a long-term focus on AWS modernization, the PD AWS team will ensure that a flexible and responsive Army watercraft fleet remains ready to project and sustain the Joint force in a challenging national security environment.
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