JBLM storm workers recognized for their efforts

  • Published
  • By Somer Breeze-Hanson
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  When thousands of people were without power on Joint Base Lewis-McChord during the snow and ice storm two weeks ago, civilians and military personnel hustled to restore it.

When roads, yards and common areas were covered in debris on base, they also cleared the damage. When the storm closed down Sea-Tac International Airport, McChord Field runways were still operational.

While efforts continue to recover the storm damage, JBLM recovered quickly thanks to the extraordinary efforts of many people. Colonel Thomas Brittain, JBLM commander, gathered 77 of those who played roles in restoring services on base and honored them Jan. 26 at the Warrior Zone on JBLM Lewis North. Brittain awarded the civilians and servicemembers commander's certificates of appreciation.

"It's a thank you to a lot of the civilians and military that may not have been working in the same areas that came together as a team of teams to solve a problem," Brittain said. "It was one of those things that reinforces that the military is a team sport."

Brittain said the 77 award recipients represented the hundreds, or even thousands of people who worked to get JBLM back to normal operations. The "team of teams" award recipients represented seven departments:

Directorate of Emergency Services, Directorate Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation, Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, Directorate of Logistics, Directorate of Public Works, Network Enterprise Center and Joint Medical Battalion.

The first snowfall began Jan. 16, and as the days progressed the weather quickly turned to freezing rain followed by high winds, resulting in massive regional power outages. Civilians worked overtime and the military donated thousands of volunteer hours.

"They were working above and beyond their normal duty day to operate equipment and help out with the cleanup efforts," Brittain said.

Staff Sgt. Jason Edwards and Airman 1st Class Casey Johnson, of 627th Air Base Group, were recognized. During the storm, Edwards and Johnson maintained air traffic control landing systems on McChord Field. They said they were humbled; to them it was just another day at the office.

"I didn't do anything other than my regular job," Edwards said.

Brittain recognized the awardees at the new Warrior Zone the day before its grand opening. They were given a free meal along with their certificates.

"It's a neat combination to be able to say thank you to them with an opportunity for them to see this (Warrior Zone) and be some of the first ones in the pre-grand opening to be here," Brittain said.