Photo By Kari Hawkins | Red River Army Depot’s James Carpenter, at right, receives a certificate of...... read more read more
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REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- For more than five decades James Carpenter has been repairing, rebuilding and overhauling the Army’s combat systems and tactical vehicles for Soldiers as if his life depended on it.
As an industrial artisan at Red River Army Depot in Texas, Carpenter has lived the depot’s motto – “Build It As If Your Life Depends Upon It, Theirs Does!”
“I’ve worked on a little bit of everything at Red River,” Carpenter said. “I enjoy working. It’s the way I am. I just enjoy the job. I want to make the Army’s systems as good as I can make them because what we do here really makes a difference for Soldiers.”
Carpenter is the first industrial artisan to be inducted into the Army Materiel Command’s Hall of Fame. He will be inducted as a member of the Class of 2022 during a ceremony at AMC Headquarters at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, Sept. 20.
“At Red River Army Depot, we always say that what makes us successful is our people and Mr. Carpenter is an outstanding example,” said Michael Lockard, deputy commander at Red River Army Depot. “He has worked at Red River Army Depot in support of the Soldier for 54 years and he's always willing to work hard, take on the most difficult tasks, and always available to mentor younger, less experienced employees. He is definitely a model employee and we're proud that he is a part of our team.”
Although Carpenter will be in attendance for the ceremony, the real surprise about his induction came with a phone call from AMC Commander Gen. Ed Daly.
“I was in shock when he called because I never dreamed that I would even be nominated for something like this,” Carpenter said. “I’m very honored by this nomination. Everyone here is really appreciative of my work and they are just as happy as I am about this honor.”
Carpenter’s career at Red River began in 1967, when he was hired as a heavy mobile equipment repairer during the Vietnam War. Originally hired as a part-time employee, he was converted to full-time after six months. Throughout his career, he worked in electrical accessories, repairing and rebuilding electrical components for various vehicles. He has been instrumental in repairing wiring harnesses for the Army’s M113 Armored Personnel Carrier and Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
“I have always enjoyed working hard,” he said. “I am a Christian and I try to let my light shine in a Christian manner. I try to live right and be an example for others. I hope I’ve been a good influence on the people I work with every day.”
Carpenter recalled several interesting challenges he has experienced as an industrial artisan for the Army’s largest ground combat vehicles. One of those challenges was taking apart and rebuilding the engine of the M1 Abrams Tank.
“That was quite an experience. The Abrams has a turbine engine, kind of like what we have in helicopters,” he said. “I had the privilege of tearing the engine down to replace the seals and putting it back together. I learned a lot doing this.”
After 34 years of service, Carpenter retired in 2001. But a year later he returned to Red River as a contractor. In 2007, he was hired again as a re-employed annuitant for a two-year period to train an upcoming younger workforce.
“I will tell anyone that the way to be successful is to work hard, pay attention and learn all you can,” he said.
Carpenter’s skills were called on again after that appointment, when he was recruited to oversee the development of the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) Recap Program. He was a member of the initial team of Red River HMMWV mechanics executing the antilock brake system/electronic stability control (ABS/ESC) retrofit pilot program and was instrumental in setting up the ABS/ESC installation line configuration. He also assisted in the design of operations at the initial regional site for the ABS/ESC installation. with only a few short breaks, Carpenter has continued to work in the light tactical division on HMMWVs.
“Working here is something that is just part of my life,” Carpenter said. “I enjoy the work and the friends I have here. My supervisors and leaders are so good to work for. We are a work family. I hope I have been an asset to the Army during the years I’ve worked here.”
Red River Army Depot is part of AMC's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command.
Editor’s Note: Inducted alongside Carpenter in AMC’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be the late Dr. Priscilla Ransohoff of the Communications-Electronics Command, Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; and retired Senior Executive Service member Kathryn T.H. Szymansk of the AMC Legal Center-Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. The AMC Hall of Fame was established in 2012 to honor and memorialize Soldiers and Army Civilians who have made significant and enduring contributions to AMC and the Army. The Hall of Fame preserves the command’s history and recognizes the leadership, service and dedication of former AMC members for their remarkable efforts.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 09.09.2022 15:55 |
| Story ID: | 428934 |
| Location: | REDSTONE ARSENAL, ALABAMA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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