MWR IN THE NEWS

BATTLE CREEK MORALE, WELFARE & RECREATION… “Top Contender Wins Big!”
Battle Creek MWR Marketing Office

Battle Creek’s Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program received the highest Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) MWR Award for 2009.  The announcement was made 22 April 2010 declaring Battle Creek “Operations Excellence” enterprise-wide.  Normally this award is given for exceptional management of a program; however, Battle Creek received the award for managing exceptional overall programs and services, giving it greater distinction and honor for all its team members. Battle Creek programs include Family Support services, recreational programming and business delivery. 

Battle Creek MWR also received the “Facility Excellence” award for the best managed Sports & Fitness Program enterprise-wide.  This reflects professionalism and care that the team provides to its customers on a daily basis.  Exceptional programming, best equipment, and “go the extra mile” customer service are part of the formula for this winning team.

In the past 3 years, Battle Creek has been the recipient of several other MWR awards for providing our workforce and the surrounding Military Communities with only the very best programs and services.  They include “Outstanding Employee,” “Customer Service,” “Innovation,” and again “Facility Excellence” Awards.

Yearly, enterprise-wide, MWR programs are nominated in each of the 5 categories listed above and the competition is fierce to say the least. The following MWR programs were recipients of MWR Awards as well;  DES-Columbus MWR “Outstanding Employee (Tracy Charles),” DES-Susquehanna MWR “Customer Service (Shane March)” and “Innovation Award (Wayne DeWolf).”  According to Beverly Williams (DLA-MWR Headquarters), “The MWR Excellence Awards Committee was very impressed with the nomination packets from all DLA Installations making this year’s selection that much more difficult.”  The MWR Awards will be presented to the recipients at the MWR Awards Banquet in June at the Battle Creek Holiday Inn.  The Battle Creek “Operations Excellence” award will also be recognized at the DLA Recognition Awards Ceremony in December.

We congratulate them and their Installation’s Community.

Battle Creek Shopper News 4/15/10

Domestic Violence: “There’s such a thing as damaging a soul”
It isn’t easy to talk about domestic violence. Mary Asmonga-Knapp was blunt at a recent program on the topic: “It’s an ugly thing to talk about,” Knapp said. Knapp, Family Advocacy Program Manager at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center, made it clear that no matter how uncomfortable the topic makes us, it must not be ignored. She handed out a small photograph of Jenny Bontempo. She has long brown hair and brown eyes.  There’s a big smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.  It is an image a father would proudly carry in his wallet.  “This is somebody’s sister, daughter, mother,” Knapp said.  “She was the daughter of John Bontempo, who retired from the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) a few years ago.”	Abuse can be both physical and emotional.  “There’s such a thing as damaging a soul,” says Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Family Advocacy Program Manager at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center.
“Her husband threw her down the stairs and threw a dresser on top of her,” she continued.  “As a result, he has a life sentence in prison.  Her mother died of a broken heart.  Her kids have no mother.” Knapp has used the image ever since she was visited by John Bontempo and he shared a photograph of what happened to his daughter (the graphic image is on the backside of the image of the photograph of Jenny smiling). It’s a vivid image that clearly portrays the cruelty behind domestic violence. Knapp was careful to point out that abuse isn’t always so clear cut.  “There’s more than damaging someone’s body,” she said.  “There’s such a thing as damaging a soul.” The group watched a video that illustrated this point called “It’s Not Like I Hit Her.”  The video focused on men’s emotional abuse of their partners and the resulting impact. “When I first met my husband, I was strong,” one woman in the video says.  “Little by little I lost myself in the relationship.” “I felt it was my fault,” says another.  “But it wasn’t me, it was him.  He broke my spirit.” The point is underscored by footage of the men themselves as they honestly admit to the harm they had caused.  “I tore her down to build myself up,” says one. “I maintained control after we separated by using the kids,” says another man. “When my partner called me too fat, too lazy, too stupid, I began to believe it,” a woman explains.  “I started to see people less and less and I became isolated.  I felt powerless, it was a dark hole within myself.” Knapp described the video as “a good snapshot of what women live through in an abusive relationship.” Unfortunately, many women will not take decisive action.  The average woman makes seven attempts to leave her partner before she is successful. What should you do if you, or a friend or family member is in an abusive relationship? “If there was a threat, take it seriously,” Knapp said.  She encouraged the involvement of professionals as early in the process as possible and suggested encouraging that step.  “Tell them, I don’t have the expertise to help you…I care about you…but you need to see someone who can help you…it’s your responsibility to protect you and protect your children.” “Domestic violence is about power and control,” Knapp said.  “It affects all income levels.”  She urged anyone in an abusive situation to take the first step and seek help, “If any person is in a situation where they are being physically, emotionally abused, call somebody.  Tell somebody.” Mary Knapp, DLA Family Advocacy Program     x4051 S.A.F.E. Place local number                              (269) 965-7233 S.A.F.E.  Place national number                         (888) 664-9832 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence     www.ncadv.org Michael McCarthy 10-26-09

Federal Center Corporate Cup dynasty? Coach Gailhouse credits employees

Cowher.  Belichick.  Lombardi. Add Gailhouse to the list. The Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center once again finished first in division IV of the Battle Creek Corporate Cup.  The Federal Center has now placed first in nine of the last ten years.  (The only year they did not was in 2007 when the team was absent from the competition). Jeff Gailhouse, fitness center manager at the Federal Center, has built a powerhouse, but he is quick to credit employees.  “Federal Center involvement in the Corporate Cup reflects the special group of people we have working at the Federal Center,” Gailhouse said.  “The victory this year was well deserved.  Competition was tough throughout the entire division.” The Olympic-style competition pits Battle Creek organizations such as Kellogg’s, DENSO Automotive, the Veterans Administration and the 110th Air National Guard Base against each other in contests such as tug-of-war, volleyball, basketball, golf, swimming, running and walking. Approximately 102 employees from the Federal Center participated with an average age of about 45.  The average age of the other 11 teams in division IV was approximately 28.  Experience does matter. As the Federal Center accepted the trophy, Gailhouse heard someone in the crowd say, “Darn, the HDIFC team won again this year!” It won’t be long until Coach Gailhouse turns his attention to 2010.  Interested employees should stop by the Fitness Center. “We are a large workforce and don’t always have the luxury of getting to know each other during the duty day, however, the Corporate Cup offers the opportunity to meet fellow employees and hopefully, develop new friendships,” Gailhouse said Michael McCarthy 9-30-09

Under Coach Gailhouse’s watchful eye, employees from the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center have established a winning tradition at Battle Creek’s annual Corporate Cup competition.   The banner contest is one of the more creativity-focused competitions in the Corporate Cup.

So much more than car pooling
Does the phrase “car pool” conjure up visions of a lanky Dagwood Bumstead running out the door to squeeze into a tiny car where a coworker is downing a gooey jelly donut and spilling his coffee? Do you shrug off the idea of a “car pool” as inconvenient and a hassle? Think again. The car pool program at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center offered through MichVan shatters that vision. The “van pooling” program by MichVan provides car poolers with a roomy 2009 Dodge Caravan. Three vans sizes are available to accommodate up to 9, 12 or 15 people. Here’s how the program works.	Ed Robinson shows off the van provided through the new car pooling program at the Federal Center.
Two riders agree to be the primary and secondary driver. A minimum of five riders is needed to participate in the program. The group sets up their own rules such as where to meet, what time and even what radio station to listen to. There is no smoking in any of the vans. Sign up for the program is on a month to month basis. The fee is based on number of rider and distance traveled. For example, the monthly fee for a rider in a group of 12 that travels up to 30 miles to the workplace is $63. The coast of gas is split among the group. Government employees, however, are eligible for a voucher program which covers the monthly fee. Any remaining money is used towards the cost of gas. The Morale, Welfare and Recreation office recently hosted a Lunch and Learn for employees to learn more. Jennifer Schneider from MichVan explained the program which has been at the Federal Center since October 2008. Right now, 24 employees participate in the program; traveling from Lansing, Bellevue, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. Schneider noted that the company is also looking at offering the van pooling program at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and other nearby businesses. In attendance was Ed Robinson who is part of a 12 person group from the Kalamazoo area that is enrolled in the program. Robinson car pooled for two years before switching to the MichVan program this past November. Robinson said his group meets at the Park-n-Ride at Oakland Drive off I-94. They leave “every morning at 6:15 to 6:20 and arrive back there around 4:35 in the afternoon.” Meeting at a common site reduces the number of stops on the way to and from work and saves time. Craig Warn is the primary driver. As the primary driver the monthly fee is waived and he is allowed 200 “personal” miles. In return, he is responsible for keeping gas in the van and taking it for service if required. Maintenance costs are covered through the program. Warn says the program has additional benefits. “It helps the roads because there are less cars,” he said. “It helps with parking. Instead of 12 spaces taken up there’s only one. And there’s a lot less wear and tear on my car.” Warn says his group is very punctual and they haven’t had problems traveling together. He plans to continue using the program “as long as they’ll let me.” For more information about van pooling, contact Debbie Key at ext. 4365 or debbie.key@dla.mil. By Kathy Hausknecht 08.28.09

MWR Recreation and Travel office holds open house

The Recreation and Travel Office has found a new home at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center. On August 18, 2009 the new office opened its doors to give customers a look at the services offered by their program. There have been many new upgrades to the office including a new brochure room where customers can browse to get information for their next vacation. There is also a seating area to allow customers to comfortably view their travel information. The “tropical” themed event featured free giveaways, including a bus trip for two to Birch Run/Frankenmuth as well as a MWR rolling cooler. The first ten visitors received a special gift bag. Cookies and punch were served to compliment the event. Some of the services the new office offers include discount tickets, leisure travel bookings, cruise vacations, and bus trips. If you haven’t already, stop by and visit this great service offered by this MWR Program at 2-1-47. By Steven Gales DES-MWR Office

Employees enjoy refreshments as they check out the added services at the new location of the Recreation and Travel Office.

DES/MWR Battle Creek recognized at DLA awards ceremony

The Defense Supply Center in Columbus, Ohio was the recent site for the MWR/Defense Logistics Agency quarterly meeting.  After the meeting, MWR/DLA employees were honored with excellence awards at a downtown luncheon.  Steven Galeswas awarded the Innovation of Excellence Award for the development of the MWR website hdifederalcentermwr.com which has reached approximately 4 million hits since it stood up 1.5 years ago. The Customer Service of Excellence Award went to Mary Asmonga-Knappfor her continued service to not only the HDIFC workforce, but to the Reserve & National Guard personnel of Michigan.  Congratulations to Battle Creek MWR for their outstanding contributions to the well being of the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center community. 06-16-09 by Jammie Hawkins

MWR Battle Creek is well represented by Steven Gales and Mary Asmonga-Knapp at the recent 2009 MWR awards luncheon.  Pictured from left to right: Steven Gales, Melitta Glasgow, DLA MWR Staff Director, Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Jammie Hawkins and Robert Genton, Deputy Site Director, Defense Supply Center Columbus.

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53rd Annual Armed Forces Luncheon salutes local military
Army National Guard hosts Battle Creek community

By Michael McCarthy

Fort Custer has had a significant impact on the Battle Creek area over the years, but it has been awhile since the general public has had such access as they had May 15.  A crowd of nearly three hundred people took advantage of the opportunity to honor Battle Creek’s local military at the 53^rd annual Armed Forces Luncheon.

Brigadier General Bob Secrist (ret.) was the keynote speaker for the event co-hosted by the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Custer Army National Guard and the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center.  Secrist is also known in the community for his role as a mathematics professor at Kellogg Community College.

Secrist’s remarks focused on the challenges faced by National Guard and reservists since 9-11.  “The world has changed,” Secrist said, referring to the increased responsibility and respect now given to the National Guard.  “We owe them a great thank you for service,” Secrist said.  “Six hundred Guard personnel have died.  Hundreds have been injured.”

Hart-Dole-Inouye Service Awards were presented to employees from the three Defense Logistics Agency activities housed there:

• John Zellers, Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS).  The award was presented by Deb Greger, DLIS deputy.
   
• Suzi Male-Murray, of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS).  The award was presented by DRMS Deputy, Army Col. Tommy Lancaster.

• Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Defense Logistics Agency Enterprise Support –Battle Creek(DES).    The award was presented by Frank Walker, DES Battle Creek site director.

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4/14/2009

DRMS-Public Affairs

Federal center staffer named to WMU board

March 6, 2009

Information fair scores with Federal Center employees

As the last notes of the Star Spangled Banner faded away, jersey-clad greeters invited Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees into the Palm Garden Room to “Score A Touchdown With DES.” The room was filled with booths and exhibits to help inform guests about the functions provided by the Defense Logistics Agency Enterprise Support-Battle Creek staff.  There was even a DES Trivia Game patterned after the game show “Jeopardy” to help people measure what they learned. Michelle Moore, DES’ customer service representative to the Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS), said the questions came from each DES department as well as Center history because preserving artifacts in the History Room is another of DES’ lesser known functions. “A lot of people just don’t know what we do even though they read about us in Commander’s Hotline,” Moore said. “We hope people will use bookmarks with our frequently used numbers to know where to call for support when they need us, especially when they need to call the Facilities Hotline (ext. 4966) to report a problem.” For Roberta Pelfrey, a DLIS supply systems analyst, the fair was a chance to look into things she had been curious about. “I never really had the time before to go down to learn about the Armed Forces Vacation Club or the family programs, but now I have,” Pelfrey said. Al Long, the executive officer for the DLIS Command Office, said he also enjoys learning about what the Family Advocacy Program does for employees and appreciated the career guides being distributed. Ironically, Mary Scheinfeldt, who deploys people around the world as the manager of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service’s Contingency Operations Mobilization and Emergency Essential and Volunteer Program, said she was unaware that DES offers relocation services. “That is a great help for people moving in or out of the area,” Scheinfeldt said.  David Kamrowski, the General Services Administration property manager, already knew much of the information because he works with DES every day, but he still admired the way it was presented at the fair. “If someone wasn't already in the know, the information was there for the taking,” he said. Having a theme for the fair was an idea that Moore said she borrowed from past information fairs like DLIS’ Mardi Gras events. She said she wanted to borrow ideas for the DES fair instead of reinventing things. Currently, the MWR staff is running its “Superbowl of Fitness” contest and introducing a new circuit course, so Moore thought the football theme seemed a logical choice for a theme. Visitors had the chance to try some of the equipment from the new circuit training program and watch a video demonstration. The new training program is set up in Room 2A-B-1 in the basement of Building 2A. It provides a variety of exercises that users can complete in 15-minute circuits. Jammie Hawkins, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation branch chief, said that completing two circuits in 30 minutes was one of the better workouts he has had in a long time. “You don’t sweat as much as you would while running on the treadmill, but you definitively feel it,” Hawkins said. Besides cookies and candy, guests were treated to a “walking taco” snack. The “taco” is made by combining a small bag of corn chips with chili and cheese. Frank Walker, DES site manager, said the idea was to make things fun “and it looks like we have done that.” Like Moore, he stressed that the event was all about helping the Federal Center community know what his staff does every day to provide support.     For more information on DES-Battle Creek, please visit http://dlis-intranet.dlis.dla.mil/directorates/dlis-r/des-bc_default.asp on the Federal Center Intranet. by Timothy Hoyle 02.02.09

Jammie Hawkins, Morale, Welfare and Recreation branch chief, demonstrates one of the events on the new circuit course in Room 2A-B-1. Defense Logistics Information Service employees learn about the Emergency Response Team from Pat Bone (left), Al Egnatuk (center) and Terri Miller (right). Dean Newsome, the new director of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service's Transformation Directorate, examines some of the fitness literature, as Lori Corbin, a health and fitness assistant at the Fitness Center, shares information with Melissa Yancer, a DLIS supply technician trainee. Jean Haire (left), deputy director of DLIS’ Financial Operations, and Lori Tucker (center), the director, office play the DES Trivia Game with Sarah Ledlow, DES’ special events coordinator.

'Tis the season
Stars and Stripes children bring holiday spirit to HDI Federal Center

Judi Hetzel, director of S&SLS, started the tradition years ago as a way of thanking the Federal Center for the support they show Stars and Stripes throughout the year.

by Michael McCarthy
12-16-08

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AT HDIFC IN BATTLE CREEK
By MWR, Marketing & Advertising Office…

Another year and here we are already preparing for the Holiday Season with Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) sponsoring the yearly Children’s Christmas Celebration at the Hart Dole Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.

The day began with Mom, Dad and the Children enjoying breakfast with Santa & Ms. Claus and then everyone moving to the Big Beautiful Christmas Tree that was waiting on the “Lighting Ceremony” to kick off the rest of this wonderful special event.  Ms. Michelle Moore, DES Customer Service Representative for DLIS and Debbie Gregor, Deputy Commander for DLIS were on hand to do the honors of “Flipping the Switch” and “voila” the tree was lit and the celebrations began!

Children moved from one game station to another, playing, competing and winning prizes!  Along, the way making time to grab cookies, candies, hot chocolate, juice and other goodies to fill their tummy.  As the children moved to the last game station, they moved on to meet and speak to Santa; telling him all of their Christmas wishes while having pictures taken with him & Ms. Claus and receiving a Christmas Gift as they left.  As if that was not enough, Santa moved to the stage and began to sing, with all the Children, Christmas Songs… Santa; “don’t give up your day job!”  Thank goodness for the talent of the children that sang with you.

The Christmas Celebration was directed by Sarah Ledlow, MWR’s Special Events Coordinator, along with many, many volunteers helping to make this year even better and bigger than last year!

Thank you to all the volunteers and MWR Team that came to together to start the Holiday Season with a bang and making it a special day for young and old alike.  

“Special Shout-out” to AFGE Local 1626 for their support… Thank you!!

MWR WISHES YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY

& A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

Federal Center raises Corporate Cup HDI employees represent the organization well in city-wide athletic competition
Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees have a reputation for turning out and being competitive at the corporate cup each year. Employees involved in the 2008 competition gathered recently to be acknowledged for their accomplishments in this year’s event. Overall, the Federal Center finished first place in its division. The Olympic-style competition pits employees from area employers (such as Kellogg’s and Denso) against each other in contests such as tug-of-war, volleyball, basketball, swimming, running and walking.	Employees from the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center have established a winning tradition at Battle Creek’s Corporate Cup competition.
This year they were put to the test when the torrential rains caused by Ivan came to town. According to Jeff Gailhouse, fitness center manager at the Federal Center, the employees responded. “In eighteen years of doing this, it was the worst weather I’ve seen,” Gailhouse said. “People showed up even though the weather was bad. That means a lot to me.” Gailhouse thanked the employees who participated and told them that in addition to building camaraderie, that the active participation and competitiveness “said something to the community” as well. Frank Walker, DES Battle Creek site director, spoke about the importance of employees balancing the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of their health. “I want to congratulate Jaimie (Hawkins) and Jeff (Gailhouse) and the MWR staff for all the excellent work they are doing.” Another benefit of the competition is that it brings employees from DLIS, DRMS and DES together and reminds them they are all part of a larger team. “This is a HDI event,” Walker said. “We’re all part of DLA.” And the history of winning doesn’t hurt either. “The trophy case in the fitness center is getting full,” Walker said. Marine Col. Laura Sampsel, DLIS commander described how the Corporate Cup was one of the many things that were new to her last year. She recalled thinking, “What is Corporate Cup and why?” She made it clear that the event now has her full support. “I want to say to those who participated that I was so excited. It means a lot.” Michael McCarthy 10-20-08

Public invited to "power-packed" program on Domestic Violence

Kathy Hausknecht • Reader Submitted • September 30, 2008

Stars and Stripes Learning Station obtains difficult accreditation

“Knowing they are in safe, loving hands goes a long way.”

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Marks of excellence for Battle Creek's MWR

The Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) program at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center received two awards from the Defense Logistics Agency for facility excellence and customer service in May. Beverly Williams, MWR recreation program manager and Ron Sullivan, DLA MWR staff director at DLA presented the awards in Battle Creek at a ceremony to Jeff Gailhouse, Bryan Iler and Lori Corbin for facility excellence and to Mary Asmonga-Knapp for customer service. Jammie Hawkins is the MWR chief at the Federal Center, and Frank Walker is the DES-Battle Creek Site Director.   The excellence awards recognizes the exceptional professionalism of MWR employees and presented in five categories.  The winners for the 2007 Excellence Awards are: Operations Excellence award For achievement of targets in strategic business plan and measured contribution to the workforce Tracy Charles, DES-Columbus    Facility Excellence award For improved or upgraded equipment and services for the community          Fitness Center, DES-Battle Creek Employee of the Year award For anticipating and exceeding customer expectations in areas of operations and community           Dana Morgan, DES-Columbus Mary Asmonga-Knapp, DES-Battle Creek Innovation award For creative programming and imaginative solutions to operational problems Joni Geels, DES-Columbus Customer Service award For exceptional program planning and acts above and beyond mission accomplishment       Sharon Ewell, DES-Susquehanna The Operations Excellence award is also recognized at the headquarters level during the annual Defense Logistics Agency Awards presentation held every December. By Kathy Hausknecht, DRMS

MWR members display their awards. From left to right are: Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Michelle Moore, Ron Sullivan, Bryan Iler, Jeff Gailhouse, Debbie Key,  Jammie Hawkins, Frank Walker and Lori Corbin.   Mary Asmonga-Knapp accepts the Excellence award for customer service. From left to right are Beverly Williams, Ron Sullivan, Asmonga-Knapp and Frank Walker.   Jeff Gailhouse accepts the DLA Excellence Award for their facility on behalf of the fitness center. From left to right are Ron Sullivan, Bryan Iler, Gailhouse, Jammie Hawkins, Frank Walker and Lori Corbin.

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Program offers help for deployment challenges
When members of local military units deploy there is usually some type of support network that takes care of their families, but Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Defense Logistics Agency Enterprise Support (DES) - Battle Creek’s Family Advocacy Program manager, felt someone needed to do the same for the families of civilian employees who are serving away from home in support of the agency’s mission. “When you have a loved one deployed you feel a constant stress,” Asmonga-Knapp said. “Having someone to talk to helps because it’s important to know that you are not alone.” That is why Asmonga-Knapp has organized a monthly family readiness group meeting for the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees. The first session conducted April 15 included Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) employee Tamhara Thompson who is preparing for her second deployment. The former soldier says it felt good last time to be serving the needs of Army units again, “helping to keep people alive,” but this time she hopes to avoid some of the family concerns she experienced and help her daughter manage her stress. Talking about her plans for this deployment, hearing ideas from others and learning more about the resources available gave Thompson lots of ideas.	Defense Logistics Information Service employee Tamhara Thompson (left) and Mary Asmonga-Knapp, Defense Logistics Agency Enterprise Support - Battle Creek’s Family Advocacy Program manager, discuss some of the helpful items such as planning guides, phone cards and disposable cameras available through the Defense Logistics Agency Family Support Program as Thompson prepares for her second deployment.
“It is stressful in itself to be away from my daughter and my family knowing that I am in a dangerous place, but to have a program here that will assist them in dealing with some of those fears really puts me at ease,” Thompson said. Other attendees included Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees who have children, stepchildren and extended family members who have deployed or who have just arrived in a forward operating area. Gina Whiston, also a DLIS employee, discussed challenges she had passing along information when she was not part of the service member’s immediate family. From the other attendees she learned additional methods such as posting messages on unit websites or passing messages through the unit staff that has remained behind. The group also discussed the importance of practicing operational security, or “family OPSEC,” while making calls, posting on blogs or talking on the phone. “It’s sad, but there are some bad people out there who are looking on websites and other places for information,” Asmonga-Knapp said. Along with ideas on safeguarding information, Asmonga-Knapp provided group members a wide variety of resources, activity guides and helpful tips for managing their stress until their loved one returns home. The second meeting included a panel of three Army reservists who shared their deployment experiences. The discussion not only shared their thoughts on the continuing importance of letters from home and support to family members but also shared ideas from the federal employees that the reservists could take back to their unit. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12. Until then, anyone who would like to get more information can visit the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program website at http://hdifederalcentermwr.com/index.html and select the Family Advocacy Program link. Questions can also be sent to Asmonga-Knapp at mary.asmonga-knapp@dla.mil  or by calling her at ext. 4051.

Employees hit the streets for national fitness program

 By Tim Hoyle

Approximately 250 walkers and runners stepped off from the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center May 28 to participate in the annual observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

May is the time when the Defense Department and the Defense Logistics Agency make an extra effort to encourage employees to develop healthy lifestyles by participating in activities that develop and promote wellness among military personnel, federal civilians and government contractors. This year’s activities once again included a 1-mile walk, a 5k walk, and a 5k run.

“Our goal is to encourage the Federal Center workforce to view their personal wellness as an important part of their daily lives,” said Jeff Gailhouse, Sports/Fitness program manager.  “We attempt to accomplish this by implementing events such as these.”

The event began at noon as participants headed out from the Champion Street entrance.  The 1 mile walkers followed the streets around the Federal Center while the 5k courses took participants onto the Linear Trail through nearby parks and around the small lake adjacent to Kellogg Community College before returning them to the Federal Center.   

Along with the satisfaction of taking part, the participants each received a water bottle to remind them that good health includes drinking plenty of water.  For more information about fitness programs, please contact Gailhouse at x7105.

The feet of Frank Walker, Defense Logistics Agency Enterprise Support’s Battle Creek site director and Marine Col. Laura J. Sampsel, Defense Logistics Information Service commander hit the pavement during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Defense Logistics Enterprise Services (DES)
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR)
One Fund Meeting & Excellence Awards

Quarterly within the DLA/MWR program, the 5 MWR Chiefs nationwide (DES-Columbus, DES-San Joaquin, DES-Susquehanna, DES-Richmond and DES-Battle Creek) and the HQ MWR team meet to review, discuss, vote on MWR business, and train on the latest updates within recreation, business and family support initiatives.

This quarter (12-15 May 2008), Battle Creek hosted the gathering at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center (HDIFC). It was particularly significant since Battle Creek MWR was informed a week before the quarterly meeting that they were the recipients of two of the five available Excellence Awards within MWR.

These excellence awards were created to provide a higher level of recognition for exceptional professionalism among all MWR employees throughout DLA. 

These awards are presented in five categories; they are Operations Excellence (achievement of targets in strategic business plan and measured contribution to the workforce), Facility Excellence (improved or upgraded equipment and services for the community), Customer Service, (anticipate and exceed customer expectations in areas of operations and community), Innovation (creative programming and imaginative solutions to operational problems), and Outstanding (exceptional program planner and acts above and beyond mission accomplishment).  The nominations are submitted at the end of each calendar year.

This year the HDIFC Sports & Fitness Center was awarded the Facility Excellence Award (Jeff Gailhouse, Lori Corbin & Bryan Iler) and Outstanding Employee of the year went to Mary Asmonga-Knapp.  The Awards/Luncheon Ceremony was held at the Hunt Club Restaurant in Battle Creek, where Mr. Ronald Sullivan (HQ DLA MWR Staff Director) and Mr. Frank Walker (DES HDIFC Site Director) presented the awards to our MWR Team Members.

We congratulate Battle Creek MWR for their outstanding contributions to the well being of the HDIFC community and commend each of these employees for their accomplishments and recognition.

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