Cape Girardeau field maintenance shop earns efficiency award

By: Silas Allen
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs




JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A Cape Girardeau-based Missouri National Guard field maintenance shop was recognized as the highest-performing shop of its kind in the state at the Missouri Army National Guard Shop Chief Meeting at Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City.

The staff of Field Maintenance Shop 3 received the Missouri National Guard's 2009 Efficiency in Maintenance Award. The award is given based on a number of criteria, including safety, efficiency, customer support and environmental compliance.

The award was the first of its kind to be presented in Missouri, although it has existed elsewhere for several years, said Capt. Jamie Melchert, the surface maintenance manager for the Missouri National Guard's Combined Service Maintenance Shop. Melchert said the award will become an annual part of the meeting.

"We're hoping it will be kind of a competitive thing," Melchert said.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ken Heise, the shop's chief, credited his shop's staff for earning the award.

"I've got a good staff down there," he said. "When I leave, I don't worry about the shop. It'll handle itself."

Lt. Col. Mark Worley, the director of the Combined Service Maintenance Shop, presented Heise with a traveling trophy and a letter signed by Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. Each member of the shop will also receive several awards.

Following the presentation, Melchert said, the award will be submitted to National Guard Bureau. At this point, the bureau may select the shop for national recognition, as well.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com