ANAD begins ergonomic exoskeleton pilot program Tracks Articles/TR110118.pdf · Anniston Army Depot...

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Tracks, the newspaper for Anniston Army Depot Volume 31, Number 20224 November 1, 2018 U.S. Postage Paid Presort Standard Anniston, AL 36201 Permit No. 326 Address Service Requested Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 4. Clocks should “fall” back one hour at 2 a.m. Anniston Army Depot will participate in two local parades for Veterans Day, showcasing the depot’s commitment to our com- munities and our war fighters. The Talladega parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, begin- ning at 11 a.m. on Battle Street in Talladega. The Anniston parade will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 on Noble Street. Individuals who are able to attend one or both of the parades are encouraged to come and wave as the Stryker carrying the ANAD commander and sergeant major roll through the parade routes. Time change Parades scheduled ANAD begins ergonomic exoskeleton pilot program Leaning forward, holding your arms above your head - positions which put your body in an awkward stance and must be held while you perform a task can cause musculoskeletal issues. In an effort to prevent these types of er- gonomic injuries, Anniston Army Depot has begun a pilot program, testing exoskeletons in work areas where employees may need to hold their bodies or arms in unnatural posi- tions for long periods of time. Glenn Ingle, an industrial hygienist for the installation, began to research the proj- ect in April. He quickly learned one of the biggest hurdles in choosing the proper exo- skeleton equipment. “When people put on a machine, it can make them walk like a machine, which isn’t natural,” said Ingle. “Adding an awkward posture while removing excessive force isn’t an effective way to lessen ergonomic risk factors.” Fortunately, he saw equipment in use during a visit to Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, in Lincoln, which enabled natural movement, while giving the needed support. Ingle said the ultimate goal is to place engineering controls in all work areas, which bring the jobs to be performed to the employee, rather than having an employee stretch or strain to perform the process. “We don’t want people to wear this all the time,” he said of the exoskeletons. Ingle said the depot is looking into belt- driven systems and rollover systems which will properly align the processes to be per- formed to the employee; enabling the task to be performed without injury. In addition to static posture and exces- sive force, the exoskeletons can reduce con- tact stressor injuries, which are caused when employees rest their arms or another part of their body against equipment in order to be supported while performing a task. The pilot program will last approxi- mately three weeks and required training throughout the cost center as well as in- struction involving Safety and Industrial Hygiene. During the last few months, Industrial Hygiene has put several tools in place to as- sist employees. A chair is in use in the Combat Vehicle Repair Facility which supports the weight of heavy tools, reducing strain on employees. Improved knee pads, anti-fatigue mats, anti-vibration gloves and bump caps can all be found in the Safety Supply Store. As employees notice cracks or dete- rioration in their mats, knee pads or other safety equipment, they are encouraged to replace them. The new bump caps even have task lighting. “The more light employees have, the less time it takes them to complete a task in an awkward posture,” said Ingle. by Jennifer Bacchus ANAD PAO Photo by Mark Cleghorn Ryine Truss paints the side of a combat vehicle at Anniston Army Depot. Beneath the painter’s suit is an exoskeleton which supports Truss’ arms, enabling him to work while minimizing ergonomic risk factors.

Transcript of ANAD begins ergonomic exoskeleton pilot program Tracks Articles/TR110118.pdf · Anniston Army Depot...

Page 1: ANAD begins ergonomic exoskeleton pilot program Tracks Articles/TR110118.pdf · Anniston Army Depot Volume 31, Number 20224 November 1, 2018 U.S. Postage Paid Presort Standard Anniston,

Tracks, the newspaper for Anniston Army Depot

Volume 31, Number 20224 November 1, 2018

U.S. Postage PaidPresort Standard

Anniston, AL 36201Permit No. 326

Address ServiceRequested

Daylight Saving Time ends on Nov. 4. Clocks should “fall”

back one hour at 2 a.m.

Anniston Army Depot will participate in two local parades for Veterans Day, showcasing the depot’s commitment to our com-munities and our war fighters.

The Talladega parade will be held Saturday, Nov. 10, begin-ning at 11 a.m. on Battle Street in Talladega.

The Anniston parade will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 on Noble Street.

Individuals who are able to attend one or both of the parades are encouraged to come and wave as the Stryker carrying the ANAD commander and sergeant major roll through the parade routes.

Time change

Parades scheduled

ANAD begins ergonomic exoskeleton pilot program

Leaning forward, holding your arms above your head - positions which put your body in an awkward stance and must be held while you perform a task can cause musculoskeletal issues.

In an effort to prevent these types of er-gonomic injuries, Anniston Army Depot has begun a pilot program, testing exoskeletons in work areas where employees may need to hold their bodies or arms in unnatural posi-tions for long periods of time.

Glenn Ingle, an industrial hygienist for the installation, began to research the proj-ect in April. He quickly learned one of the biggest hurdles in choosing the proper exo-skeleton equipment.

“When people put on a machine, it can make them walk like a machine, which isn’t natural,” said Ingle. “Adding an awkward posture while removing excessive force isn’t an effective way to lessen ergonomic risk factors.”

Fortunately, he saw equipment in use during a visit to Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, in Lincoln, which enabled natural movement, while giving the needed support.

Ingle said the ultimate goal is to place engineering controls in all work areas, which bring the jobs to be performed to the employee, rather than having an employee stretch or strain to perform the process.

“We don’t want people to wear this all the time,” he said of the exoskeletons.

Ingle said the depot is looking into belt-driven systems and rollover systems which will properly align the processes to be per-formed to the employee; enabling the task to be performed without injury.

In addition to static posture and exces-sive force, the exoskeletons can reduce con-tact stressor injuries, which are caused when

employees rest their arms or another part of their body against equipment in order to be supported while performing a task.

The pilot program will last approxi-mately three weeks and required training throughout the cost center as well as in-struction involving Safety and Industrial Hygiene.

During the last few months, Industrial Hygiene has put several tools in place to as-sist employees.

A chair is in use in the Combat Vehicle Repair Facility which supports the weight of

heavy tools, reducing strain on employees.Improved knee pads, anti-fatigue mats,

anti-vibration gloves and bump caps can all be found in the Safety Supply Store.

As employees notice cracks or dete-rioration in their mats, knee pads or other safety equipment, they are encouraged to replace them.

The new bump caps even have task lighting.

“The more light employees have, the less time it takes them to complete a task in an awkward posture,” said Ingle.

by Jennifer BacchusANAD PAO

Photo by Mark Cleghorn

Ryine Truss paints the side of a combat vehicle at Anniston Army Depot. Beneath the painter’s suit is an exoskeleton which supports Truss’ arms, enabling him to work while minimizing ergonomic risk factors.

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This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of TRACKS are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Depart-

ment of the Army, or Anniston Army Depot. TRACKS is published biweekly using desktop

publishing on recycled paper and on the Internet by the Commander, Anniston Army Depot.

The editorial office is located in the Abrams Building, Room 358, telephone 256-235-6281 (DSN prefix 571) or FAX 256-235-4695. TRACKS invites

comments and contributions from its readers. Ad-dress e-mail to: [email protected] and mail to: Editor, TRACKS, TAAN-SCO, 7 Frankford Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201-4199. DEADLINE days are Thursdays pre-ceding date of publication. Circulation: 5,900.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TRACKS,

PO Box 2285, Anniston, AL 36202.

Commanding Officer....................Col. Joel WarhurstPublic Affairs Officer...........................Clester BurdellEditor..............................................Jennifer BacchusPhotographers...................................Mark Cleghorn

Ben Williams

TRACKS2 November 1, 2018

Open season for Appro-priated Fund employees will begin Monday, Nov. 12 and go through Monday, Dec. 10, with benefits election effective the first pay period in January 2019.

During open season em-ployees will be able to enroll, change or cancel their Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program or Federal Flexible Spending Account Program coverage without evidence of insurability or a qualifying event.

If you have additional questions regarding the Ap-propriated Fund Open Sea-son, contact Kelly M. Smith-O’Hara at Ext. 5459 or 7860.

Open season starts soon

Each year, Anniston Army Depot provides gifts for chil-dren in protective custody with the Calhoun Coun-ty Department of Human Re-sources.

These gifts are distributed to the families by DHR case workers in time to be opened on Christ-mas.

For each child, employees are able to give gifts valued be-tween $175 and $200.

Key people assist in coordi-nating assistance for these chil-dren and families.

Christmas Cheer also allows depot employees to sponsor in-stallation families.

These are coworkers who experienced hardships and have financial needs.

I n s t a l l a t i o n families are anony-mous to contribu-tors – only identi-fied by a number

and the family’s situation. They have been ap-proved for the

program through depot leadership.

For additional in-formation, see your

key person or call Boyd Scoggins at Ext. 3182.

ANAD looks to help children through Christmas Cheer

Nov. 4: Daylight Saving Time ends

Nov. 7: The Morning Show airs live at 7:05 a.m. The topic is traf-fic citations.

Nov. 8: Veterans Day Ceremony

Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Nov. 12: Veterans Day Observed by the federal workforce

Nov. 13: Native American Heri-tage Month Luncheon - see de-tails on page 4.

Nov. 15: TRACKS publication

Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day

Jan. 11: Last day to give to the 2018 Combined Federal Cam-paign. Visit cfcgiving.opm.gov.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Team Anniston, as we turn the corner during the first quarter, I wanted to take this time to con-gratulate you on the accomplishments of FY18 and thank you for the tremendous contributions you have made in sustaining Army readiness here at Anniston Army Depot.

Thank you for your service and many accomplishments this past year.

We ended the year on a high note and I expect nothing but continued success; we have much to be thank-ful for.

We remain committed to getting Soldiers the right equipment at the right time to protect our people.

Collectively, our Army’s funda-mental task remains unchanged – it is to fight and win in the unforgiving crucible of ground combat.

Our warriors will go to war with the equip-ment we provided and our mission statement re-flects this essential function to build and produce combat power.

Next week, we will pause to honor the men and women from all walks of life who have stepped forward to defend our nation throughout our history.

This year, we will celebrate Veterans Day on the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I.

The legacy of the generations of patriots who dedicated themselves to the defense of our coun-try makes us strong and resilient as a nation.

Though Veterans Day is officially observed on Nov. 11, we will kick off the observance on Nov. 8 and Anniston reflects this heritage of com-mitment as signified by the more than 700 Veter-ans who answered their nation’s call and are still serving.

Later this month, many of you will celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Some will take the time to relax, enjoy a good football game or trav-el to be with family and friends.

As I said earlier, we have so much to be thank-ful for. I appreciate all you do on a daily basis.

Your resilience is the core of the support to

the warfighter.Many of our service members will be sepa-

rated from their loved ones during this time. It is because of their sacrifice that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

Whatever your plans are, be safe. I ask that you take time to check on each other.

While this time of the year is usually a time of joy, it may not be the case for ev-eryone.

Know the signs of stress and de-pression. Suicide knows no bounds; it can affect anyone.

In all you do, remember you are a valued member of our team.

We have much more to do to-gether.

Thanksgiving allows us to reflect upon the blessings we share with friends and family. It also is a day we should pause to remember the men

and women who volunteer to defend our way of life enjoyed by all of us in the United States of America.

As we give thanks for our abundance, we are reminded of the personal sacrifices made by our nation’s Veterans and forces currently serving abroad and unable to celebrate with their loved ones.

The leadership would like to express our sincere thanks to all for their personal courage and selfless service. We are proud of all you do. Take pride in our previous accomplishments and achievements. In the weeks ahead, find time to enjoy the company of your family and friends.

As an Army and a nation at war, we depend on each other as a team to rise above the challenges of our day.

Whatever your plans, use sound judg-ment during the holidays. Your country and your Army are counting on your safe return. On this Thanksgiving Day, let us give thanks as we gather with the people we love to show grati-tude for our freedom, for our friends and families, and for the prosperous nation we call home.

Let us honor the families of our fallen, and lift them in our prayers. May our gratitude for the blessings of freedom, prosperity and family con-tinue through the year.

by Col. Joel WarhurstANAD Commander

COL JOEL WARHURST

COMMANDER’S COLUMN

A time for honor and thanks

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TRACKS 3November 1, 2018

This is the bus schedule for the Vet-erans Day Ceremony, which is scheduled for Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in the Physical Fit-ness Center.

The bus will return employees at the conclusion of the event.

EAST SIDEPick up time Location8:45 Bldg. 4748:50 Bldg. 130 East end8:55 Bldg. 409 West end9:00 Bldg. 128 Middle9:05 Bldg. 143 and 411 West end9:10 Bldg. 106 West end9:15 Bldg. 111

WEST SIDEPick up time Location9:00 Bldg. 59:05 Bldg. 362-Door 39:10 Bldg. 79:15 Bldg. 31

Bus schedule

In honor of the more than 700 Veter-ans employed at Anniston Army Depot, who served through decades of war and peace in each of the different branches of service, the installation is hosting a Vet-erans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 in the installation’s Physical Fitness Center.

Speaking at the event will be Lt. Col. Roshun Steele, commander of the Annis-ton Munitions Center, a tenant of ANAD.

ANAD Veterans Day Ceremony

ANAD promotes Red Ribbon Week at CES

Photo by Jennifer Bacchus

Anjulie Thompson, a counselor with House Counseling in Ox-ford, leads children at Coldwa-ter Elementary School through an exercise to show how affir-mations can help them feel bet-ter about themselves and help them say no to drugs. Thomp-son’s presentation was part of a Red Ribbon Week event Oct. 23 at the school. Employees from Anniston Army Depot’s Army Substance Abuse Program, Em-ployee Assistance Program and Safety Office also participated in the program.

DPM, DPE trade office areasMove will impact LMP Lab, Quality Assurance

A six-phase move is currently underway to transfer the offices of the Directorate of Production Engineer-ing to Bldg. 140 and the offices of the Directorate of Production Management to Bldg. 106.

The initial steps in the move were completed nearly a year ago when changes to the second floor of Bldg. 106 were completed. During the first phase of the move, which began Oct. 15, DPM personnel moved into the cubicle areas of that second floor area.

Phase two saw the movement of DPE employees into the vacated portion of Bldg. 140.

The move is intended to consolidate personnel within the affected directorates.

All of DPE with the exception of Technical Pub-lications will now be located in Bldg. 140, as will the Quality Assurance Office.

The Logistics Modernization Program Office will move from its current location in Bldg. 35 to Bldg. 106 to become part of the Mission Analysis Division and the LMP Lab will also be relocated from Bldg. 140 to Bldg. 106.

This gives DPM the ability to have all LMP trainers located in the same building where training will take place.

This also allows material management personnel to be collocated with their DPM coworkers.

Construction will occur in the new offices for the DPM leadership to accommodate the two deputies.

Photo by Jennifer Bacchus

The DPM and DPE offices are trading buildings over the next several weeks. The move is scheduled to be completed at the end of November.

from Staff ReportsANAD Public Affairs

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TRACKS4 November 1, 2018

Honoring the first Americans

November is Native Ameri-can Heritage Month or, as it is commonly referred to, National American Indian and Alaska Na-tive Heritage Month.

This time of year honors the many contributions and accom-plishments of the first Americans – American Indians and Alaska natives.

This year’s theme is “Sover-eignty, Trust and Resilience.”

Since the Revolutionary War, Native Americans and Alaska Natives have played a vital role in our country’s freedom and se-curity.

They proudly serve in all departments of the U.S. govern-ment today.

Over 100 years ago, Rever-end Red “Fox” James, known as Red Fox Skiukusha, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode horse-back across multiple U.S. states. He carried endorsements from two state governments to create a day to honor American Indians.

This was neither the first nor the last advocacy for the celebra-tion.

The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York.

November was designated as “National American Indian Heri-tage Month” in 1990 by a joint congressional resolution signed by then-president George H. W. Bush.

In 2009, the Friday after Thanksgiving Day was declared as “Native American Heritage Day” by Congress and then-Pres-ident Barack Obama.

Currently, there are 573 fed-erally recognized American Indi-an and Alaska Native tribes and villages. The State of Alabama recognizes nine tribes. They are:

• United Cherokee Ani-Yun-Wiya Nation – Guntersville, Ala.

• Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama – Glencoe, Ala.

• Ma-Chis Lower Creek In-dian Tribe of Alabama – Elba, Ala.

• Cherokee Tribe of North-east Alabama – Huntsville, Ala.

• Southeastern Mvskoke Na-tion – Midland city, Ala.

• Cher-O-Creek Intra Tribal Indians – Dothan, Ala.

• MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians – Mount Vernon, Ala.

• Piqua Shawnee Tribe – Ox-ford, Ala.

• Poarch Band of Creek Indi-ans – Atmore, Ala.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally rec-ognized Native American tribe in the state of Alabama.

This tribe is an active part-ner in the state of Alabama, con-tributing to the state’s economy through businesses, including three gaming facilities.

The Poarch Band provides educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both tribal members and residents of the lo-cal community and neighboring

towns.By July 1, 2060, the projected

number of American Indian and Alaska Native population, in-cluding those of more than one race, will be 10 million.

They constitute 2.5 percent of the total population.

The estimated number of single-race American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans of the U.S. armed forces in 2017 was 141,494.

Our Army values diversity. From the civil War to today’s current conflicts, American In-dians and Alaska Natives have made lasting contributions to our wartime efforts.Sources:

• www.ncai.org/initiatives/native-american-heritage-month

• www.census.gov/news-room/facts-for-features/2018/aian.html

• pci-nsn.gov/westminster/index.html

• www.aiac.alabama.gov/tribes.aspx

Art Wade, an elder, and Ken-neth Dewayne Long, a drum keeper, in the United Cherokee Ani- Yun-Wiya Nation, located in Guntersville, Ala., will par-ticipate in Anniston Army De-pot’s American Indian Heritage Month luncheon Nov. 13 at the Berman-Varner House.

Wade was born in Alabama and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. After spend-ing 23 years living in Denver,

Colo., he returned to Alabama in 2001.

He serves the tribe as part of the Cultural Arts Team by teaching children and adults about their culture.

Long has been drum keeper for 17 years. In that role, he has to memorize many songs and determine which song should be used for which dances and know the correct drum to use.

For the tribe, drums are a spiritual thing. They represent Mother Earth and are treated with love and respect.

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE MONTH

by Cheryl SwainANAD DPE

Two from United CherokeeAni-Yun-Wiya Nation to speak

from Staff ReportsANAD Public Affairs

Courtesy photo

Kenneth Dewayne Long, left, and Art Wade, pictured here during an event, will participate in ANAD’s American Indian Heritage Month lun-cheon Nov. 13 at the Berman-Varner House.

This is the bus schedule for the American Indian Heritage Month luncheon, scheduled for Nov. 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the Berman-Varner House.

WEST SIDETime Location10:40 Bldg. 510:45 Bldg. 362-Door 310:50 Bldg. 710:55 Bldg. 31

EAST SIDETime Location10:30 Bldg. 47410:35 Bldg. 130 East10:40 Bldg. 409 West10:45 Bldg. 128 Middle10:50 Bldg. 143 and 411 West end10:55 Bldg. 106 West11:00 Bldg. 111

Bus schedule

The bus will return employees at the conclusion of the event.

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TRACKS 5November 1, 2018

Safety is a strange business. In any other activity, we often immediately see the results of our work. When it comes to safety, we track and trend to see how many accidents have occurred and where they happened, among other metrics.

Through this data, we eventually de-velop a pretty good picture of how we are doing, or how Anniston Army Depot is do-ing, safety-wise.

When we look at the big picture and ask ourselves as safety professionals or, for that matter, as team members in the federal work force, we should ask our-selves two questions.

Through any action I committed today, is it possible that I may have prevented an accident, thereby saving a life? Or is it possible that, through my actions, I may have inadvertently caused an accident?

No one has a crystal ball. We can’t see what may happen in the future. So, we must ask ourselves questions such as, “If I leave this cord piled on the floor instead of rolling it up, what might happen?”

There’s no way of knowing if someone could have tripped over the cord and been severely injured or killed (yes, fatalities happen all too often from slips, trips and falls).

We do know, however, that removing the threat guarantees no one will trip over that particular hazard.

We have the rules, regulations, guide-lines, procedures, SOPs, JHAs and other policies.

We are always looking for what might or could happen, always trying to prevent unforeseen accidents.

This is why we wear personal protec-tive equipment.

If we could tell exactly when the next accident would happen, we could get by with only wearing our gear on that particu-lar day.

Does wearing safety glasses every day ensure that you will never receive an eye injury? Probably not, but, if you never wear them, you will eventually receive an eye injury, possibly serious, always with the possibility of partial or total loss of sight.

You can apply this line of thinking on a much larger scale. The worst industrial accident in history, in terms of loss of life, happened because safety standards and

systems were lacking, overlooked or sim-ply ignored.

On Dec. 2, 1984, in Bhopal, India, a cloud of poison gas was accidentally re-leased into the air at a chemical plant owned by Union Carbide. At least 3,000 people were killed, though some estimates are as high as 15,000 when counting long term illnesses resulting in death.

It was determined that at least four dif-ferent safety systems designed to contain an inadvertent release had fallen into dis-repair, were set improperly or were com-pletely off line.

Had the exact time of the release been known in advance, then, even with sub-standard safety systems and equipment, the disaster might have been averted.

But, again, it is impossible to know when that next accident- minor or major will occur. Had the systems been kept in

good repair and the standards met, the re-lease of toxic gas almost certainly would never have happened.

Could we witness another accident of those proportions again? No one knows for sure. What is sure, though, is that if you didn’t make it home tonight, your families would be devastated.

So, at the end of the day, think back over everything you did and didn’t do. Did your actions have a positive or negative effect on your safety and that of your co-workers?

If, through your actions, whether roll-ing up a cord, chocking a vehicle or just properly wearing the required PPE, you knew you could avoid an accident, save your life or the life of your coworker, you would definitely do it.

Never take for granted an accident won’t happen. You just never know.

Did you save a life today or cause an accident?

Photo by Mark Cleghorn

Gene Lewallen grinds a part in the Optics Branch at Anniston Army Depot. Proper personal protective equipment, such as shields and gloves, ensure employee safety.

by Lance PilgrimANAD Safety Office

Most people have heard the term Safety First. But, to truly ensure your safety and that of your coworkers, you should think about safety con-stantly.

Walking into a building? Check the sign beside the door to ensure you are wearing the proper personal protective equipment for that facil-ity.

Starting a job process? Know the job hazard analysis for the work being done. Check the area for ad-ditional hazards, then follow proce-dures and use the proper tools and equipment.

See a friend or co-worker not wearing their PPE? Talk to them. If it continues to be an issue, discuss it with their supervisor.

There are three things you may need to review to know which PPE should be worn on the job.

The sign outside the building gives the basic level of PPE which must be worn anytime you are in the building.

JHAs give additional, specific guidance, such as when double hear-ing protection is needed or when guards should be used.

Safety Data Sheets detail the pro-tection, such as splash-proof goggles or gloves, which must be used when handling or using hazardous materi-als.

Remember, procedures and pro-cesses can change. Reviewing the signs, JHAs and SDSs on a regular basis will keep you up-to-date on the PPE requirements you and your co-workers should follow.

It’s good to think of safety proce-dures first, but, to truly be safe, you should think of them all the time.

Safety tips

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TRACKS6 November 1, 2018

What is an attitude and how is it developed?Webster defines attitude as, “A position of the

body manner or carrying oneself. A state of mind or feeling. Disposition.”

There are four stages of cultural adjustment, which were originally conceptualized by anthropol-ogist Kalervo Oberg in a talk to the Women’s Club of Rio de Janeiro in 1954.

When you were first hired at Anniston Army Depot, you were probably elated. This is called the Honeymoon Stage.

By the time you started working, had you formed an opinion of the people and the customs?

Do you recall telling your friends you had a job at Anniston Army Depot? What was their reaction?

“Oh boy, better you than me!” or “That’s a great place to work!”

Maybe someone told you the depot works long hours; that overtime interferes with your family life.

They may have also talked about the pay or said you would be able to take good care of your family.

From the time you were hired until you began work, you heard all the opinions, both positive and negative, and formed a mental picture of Anniston Army Depot. This picture was then transformed into an attitude.

In my experience, most people go through cer-tain stages when they make any life change.

After the initial shock, whether it’s positive or negative, we experience what Oberg called the Cul-ture Shock Stage. It has also been coined as the irritation or hostility stage.

This could be a short stage or it could last well into our employment.

I believe this is the most important phase of our adjustment.

Basically, hostility is prolonged by our attitude and how well we adjust to certain situations. This is the stage when we want to hurt ourselves or some-one else.

For example, I was in the hostility stage shortly after I arrived at ANAD because I lacked computer access to do what I was hired to do. I almost turned the position down because I had not found a park-ing spot for my recreational vehicle. I also began to miss my family.

Some of us arrived and found security on the depot is tight and we cannot move around without an escort until the security checks are completed. Employees who are retired from the military learn there is no Base Exchange, Post Exchange, com-missary, or gas station.

I’m sure you see where the hostility comes from.As individuals, we need to understand everyone

goes through this stage. The sooner we pass through it, the sooner we become more productive members of the depot.

This is important for managers and supervisors to understand also – that’s why we need to do ev-erything in our power to get our employees com-pletely settled in.

The next stage is what Oberg called the Gradual Adjustment, Humor, and Perspective Stage. I sim-ply call it the Humor Stage.

This is when we look back at the things we experienced in the hostility stage and laugh about them.

You can tell when a person reaches the humor stage because they smile most of the time; it’s a dis-tinct change in demeanor.

The final stage is the Home Stage.At that point, we have settled in and now refer

to the workplace as a good place to work. We have come to realize, either consciously or unconscious-ly, that Anniston Army Depot is home, at least for now, and we are going to make the best of it.

In conclusion, attitude is adjustment, learning, understanding and, as Webster said, “A state of mind.”

So let’s make our stay at the depot a positive one, with a positive attitude. And, for the supervi-sors, let’s help our employees adjust to their envi-ronment and keep a positive attitude.

Finally, we cycle through these stages whenever a change occurs - on the job, at home, in school or life in general. Mangers, supervisors, coworkers, friends and family, lets be aware of these stages and keep life positive.

Source: https://www.princeton.edu/oip/practi-cal-matters/Cultural-Adjustment.pdf

Four stages of becoming a productive depot employee

by Ronald Spencer Sr.ANAD Emp. Asst. Program

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Causey shared the story of how he was wounded in Afghani-stan and how he has continued to thrive through his challenges during the Disability Employ-ment Awareness Month lun-cheon Oct. 23 in the Berman-Varner House.

Causey, who performed ex-plosive ordnance detection for both the Air Force and Army, was working in a field of impro-vised explosive devices when one discharged.

Since that day in September 2011, he has met each challenge with a determination to not only overcome, but excel through it.

“I’ve found no matter what you do, if you don’t go into it with the right attitude, you won’t achieve anything,” said

Causey.He was told he couldn’t

have children, but he and his wife defied the odds and had a daughter they call their “mira-cle baby.”

After going through physi-cal therapy and learning to walk with the aid of prostheses, he needed a new challenge. His wife recommended competi-tion shooting.

In 2016, his first year try-ing out, he missed qualifying for the paralympics by eight points.

He participates in numerous air pistol competitions nation-ally and internationally and is currently working toward his goal of being on the national paralympic team.

“Bad things come and bad things go. It’s all about how your move through it and how you address it,” said Causey.

Wounded warrior speaks at luncheon

by Jennifer BacchusANAD PAO

Photo by Mark Cleghorn

Retired Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Causey spoke at Anniston Army Depot’s Disability Employment Awareness Month luncheon Oct. 23.

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TRACKS 7November 1, 2018

Nov. 5Fried pork chopScalloped potatoesButter beansSteamed cabbageCornbread

Nov. 6Boneless chicken wingsFrench fries or onion ringsPasta saladTexas toast

Nov. 7Spaghetti with meat sauceSteamed broccoliSide saladGarlic bread

Nov. 8Fried catfishBaked fishBaked beansColeslawFrench friesHush puppies

Nov. 13General Tso’s chickenSweet and sour porkFried riceStir fried vegetablesEgg roll

Nov. 14Chicken or beef soft tacoSpanish riceMexican cornRefried beansTaco salad bowl

Nov. 15Brats and burgers

Nov. 16Snack line only

Nov. 19Beef tips and riceGreen beansVegetable sticksYeast roll

Nov. 20Mild or spicy popcorn chickenFrench fries or onion ringsPotato saladTexas toast

Have info or a question for TRACKSor The Morning Show?

Call Public Affairs at Ext. 6281!

notes from around the Track

Cafeteria menusANAD’s next

Recycling Sale will be held

Nov. 17 from 8-11 a.m.

Contact Cynthia Boyette at

Ext. 6838 for additional

information.

Recycling Sale

Need a tent, kayak or canoe?

Anniston Army Depot’s MWR Rentals are located

at Bldg. 1540.

Contact the Rentals Office

at Ext. 7549.

The depot’s Child De-velopment Center offers care to children from infan-cy through the fifth grade and is accredited by the National Association for the

Education of Young Chil-dren. The center is currently accepting students of all ages. Contact Parent Cen-tral at 256-235-6273 for more information.

Openings at the CDC

The Northeast Alabama Table Tennis Club will hold a non-sanctioned table tennis tournament at An-niston Army Depot’s Physical Fitness Center Nov. 17 begin-ning at 9 a.m.

The tournament is open to all Alabama residents, stu-dents enrolled in state institu-tions and military personnel sta-tioned in Alabama.

Background checks will be per-formed at the depot’s check point.

If you have additional questions, contact Mike Harris at 256-240-3675 or Gerrad Slaton at 256-256-6385.

Table tennis tournament scheduled

Anniston Army Depot has scheduled a mandatory shutdown for the last full week of Decem-ber.

Maintenance is scheduled to be performed between Dec. 24, 2018, and Jan. 1, 2019.

The work schedule for two Fridays - December 28 and Jan 4 - will be switched, making Dec. 28 an off-Friday.

Depot employees who are not part of the maintenance work being performed throughout the installation or who are not emergency personnel will be in a leave status Dec. 24, 26, 27 and 31. This will equal 36 hours of leave.

Shutdown dates

Have a home improvement or craft

project in mind?

Visit Anniston Army Depot’s Skills

Development Center.

Call Ext. 6768 for more information.

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TRACKS8 November 1, 2018

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