Photo by Charlie Maib ()
Sometimes an effort is so massive that partners must lean on each other to get the job done. This was evident in the cutting of a grand ribbon in front of Zama Middle High School at Camp Zama on Nov. 1; a ribbon so grand that it took seven pairs of scissors – one for each person or organization who had a helping hand in the project.
“What started as a renovation of an aging building became a four-year odyssey delayed for various reasons,” said Henry LeFebre, ZMHS principal, during opening remarks.
And what an odyssey it’s been. The unfortunate issue of asbestos abatement arose, throwing a wrench into the process. And when the decision was made to renovate the high school in 2017, no one could have foreseen the challenges and logistical delays a worldwide pandemic would cause. A large chunk of that challenge was hoisted on Japan Engineer District, who was responsible for keeping the physical building refurbishment and construction on track.
“The COVID situation provided a mighty challenge,” agreed Col. Gary S. Bonham, JED commander. “One that we met and overcame. Even with COVID nipping at our heels, we delivered the high school renovation project with great results.”
The commander noted that even though he came into the situation late in the game, having assumed command of the district this past July, he could easily see the fingerprints of his engineers and partners everywhere he looked.
“We could not have done this without the ground support from our Kanagawa office and our contractor Gilbane, who put their sweat and tears into this project to make it come to fruition,” he said. The project saw the renovation of multiple buildings on the school campus, to include the auditorium building. The three buildings received new doors and windows, a new floor, new lighting, and a state-of-the-art HVAC system.
Looking at the improvements filled Thomas Brady, director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
“This building, and this ceremony today, represents about $30 million of investment and a tremendous amount of work and teamwork …to get to where we are,” he beamed.
Brady pointed out that the work done on ZMHS was evidence of the commitment the United States has to its children whose parents are serving their country abroad; saying that over the last 10 years the federal government has invested $10 billion in education facility improvements for America’s students.
Col. Christopher L. Tomlinson, U.S. Army Garrison Japan commander, called the finished product “deliberate and well-executed.” Tomlinson also noted that, “seeing all the hard work that went into the entire rebuilding and refurbishing process —is a proud moment for us all. It also puts at ease for us that the Service Members and civilian employees who work in this great community as well as [Naval Air Facility] Atsugi can focus on achieving their day-to-day mission because they know that their children are safe, secure, and provided the very best in education with a superb facility.”
This sentiment was echoed by Bonham.
“As I said, this project began before I arrived and its impact will last long after I’ve gone,” he said. “Thanks to the hard work of Japan Engineer District and our construction partners — the children of the Camp Zama and Naval Air Facility Atsugi areas can focus on what’s important: rising to become the next generation of leaders.”
