Photo Information

Capt. William A. Hemme, operations officer with Fleet Support Division, during a Welcome Home Heroes presentation following his return from Afghanistan and Kuwait. The patriotic-themed quilt was draped over his shoulders by the Apple Valley Regional Chapter of Quilts of Valor.

Photo by Cindy McIntyre

Exceptional employees, quilt for a captain

12 Mar 2015 | Cindy McIntyre Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., held its fiscal year 2015 first quarter employee awards breakfast at the Maj. Gen. James L. Day Conference Center, March 4.

Also included was a Welcome Home Heroes presentation honoring Capt. William Hemme, operations officer with Fleet Support Division, who recently returned from a tour of Afghanistan and Kuwait. Hemme was responsible for shipping out military assets and supplies from Afghanistan during the winding down of American involvement in the war effort there.

"I don't deal with people," he said of his job. "I deal with stuff. I get pencils. I get paper. I get tanks. It's not extremely exciting except in my own little world."

Bill Ponder, commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12039 in Victorville, gave Hemme an official welcome home certificate. Hemme, who returned to Barstow in December 2014, was also presented a handmade quilt made by women of the Apple Valley Regional Chapter of Quilts of Valor.

Dee Brawley, presentation coordinator for the group, said, "I was humbled by listening to this gentleman saying his job wasn't very exciting." Addressing Hemme, she continued, "To me … every single job is important, because the equipment you sent out helped protect people. We're happy to wrap you in this quilt of comfort."

Then the quilters draped the patriotic-themed quilt over Hemme's shoulders, and he wore it while Brawley recited a poem that is sent with each one. The international organization has made more than 144,500 quilts for wounded and returning veterans since 2003.

Awards were also presented to civilian employees and Marines by MCLB Barstow commanding officer Col. Michael L. Scalise. Gunnery Sgt. Chad Webb read each commendation.

Gregory Kunkel, supervisory firefighter/paramedic was presented with the Supervisor of the Year Award. "The blend of compassion, understanding, and dedication to duty that he brings to work every day is exceptional," read Webb. Because of Kunkel's efforts, base fire department personnel are 100 percent in compliance with EMS protocol, and the department is a front-runner in state-of-the art EMS equipment.

Wendy Hiett, supervisory financial management analyst, was awarded Employee of the Year for fiscal year 2014. She instituted a new process to assist directors with reviewing, approving and tracking overtime requirements and execution. She also coordinated the processing of retroactive pay transactions following the October 2013 government shutdown, and achieved cost savings of more than $2 million.

Chad Hildebrandt, rail operations supervisor, was awarded Supervisor of the Quarter. He was instrumental in shifting the MCLB Barstow rail yard from operating within confines of the base to coordinating movement with military units and private industry railways such as BNSF. Hildebrandt's leadership saw the rail operations move 636 million pounds of freight, increasing the rail yard operation 228 percent.

Carlos Guerra, combat camera still photographer for the last two years at MCLB Barstow, was awarded Employee of the Quarter. Guerra completed 72 on-location and in-studio photography sessions, as well as hundreds of photographs. "Because of the quality of his work, he is often requested by name to provide photo support to the Army's aviation unit in Daggett and the Marine Aviation Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base," read Webb.

Michelle Adams, behavioral health administrative assistant for Marine and Family Programs, also received the Employee of the Quarter Award for developing and rewriting standard operating procedures instrumental in the accreditation process for behavioral health and Marine and Family Programs.

Receiving special recognition for superior performance were Child and Youth Program administrator Carey Carr, and resource and referral specialist Stacy Korves. They assured the Child and Youth, and Resources and Referral programs were in compliance above and beyond all requirements during the December 2014 multidisciplinary inspection.

Cpl. Kristopher Ezell, wireman, received the NCO of the Quarter Award, and Cpl. Amir Mohamed, administrative clerk, was awarded Marine of the Quarter. Both were cited for performing their demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner, attesting to their leadership, devotion to duty, and military bearing.