RAVENNA, Ohio - The Ohio Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Louisville District project manager Glen Beckham, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency project manager Eileen Mohr and Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant BRAC Environmental Coordinator Mark Patterson on Dec. 3, 2010, at Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant (RVAAP). The medals were presented by Maj. Gen. Matthew Kambic, Assistant Adjutant General for Army, Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio, Ohio Army National Guard, on behalf of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland for their significant contributions to the success of Camp Ravenna through their dedication to excellence in the Installation Restoration Program.
"It's humbling to be recognized for this award because there were so many wonderful people who have lifted me up to make this possible," said Beckham. "It's not just a Corps project, it's a multi-agency team consisting of the BRAC Division, Army Environmental Command, Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio EPA, and National Guard Bureau. They will volunteer for any challenge, no matter how many challenges there are, and come up smiling about it."
RVAAP is one of the Louisville District's Installation Restoration Program projects. The program cleans up locations in use by federal government agencies. Portions of the site are currently being utilized as a training facility for the Ohio Army National Guard named Camp Ravenna. Once all remediation work is complete, it is anticipated that Camp Ravenna will become Ohio's premiere National Guard training facility.
"Although we received the medals, we view this as a team award," said Mohr. "The medal symbolizes a lot of hard work on the part of this great team. I am truly honored and humbled to have received this award. I am also grateful that I can play a part in helping to keep our Soldiers safe by working to provide a training area for them prior to deployment."