The Scoop - March 24, 2014
Posted by Michael Frueh
on Mar 28, 2014
Lima-Built Tanks Are Ready For The Toughest Duty
We have all seen programs prepared for the tank plant (JSMC) from General Dynamics - but many are unaware of the DCMA and it's Commander - Lieutenant Colonel Matt Hodge. This agency answers to the department of defense, and is responsible for the quality construction of the M1 tank.
LTC Hodge was in the infantry, and was frustrated with a ground GPS that he was issued. The frustrations of trying to improve this and other tools led Matt to specialize in procurement, and he has spent much of his career making military items better for men in the field. The Department of Defense is the largest buyer in the US government, responsible for billions per year in purchasing everything from toilet paper to tomahawk missiles.
The local tank plant began operation in 1941, and Matt pointed out that women were crawling around on the tops of tanks in dresses during WW2 - and are still a large part of the construction process. This led to a recognition of local heroes - from the women that Matt mentioned, to several local people Matt pointed out, and even to the military draftee - who did not choose to serve, but did so anyway when asked by their country.
LTC Hodge ended his presentation by asking all to stand, while he read the names of servicemen killed during our recent actions in IRAQ and Afganistan. We were all reminded of the real heroes, and took a moment to honor the fallen...