JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"Some people don't know about us. They say, 'Who is Joppa,'" he said with a chuckle.
After two years on staff, Chuck Ely, project manager for Joppa Maintenance Company, said the curious phrase has crossed his ears a few times around base.
As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease - which might explain why some may not hear about Joppa. As for Mr. Ely and his team of grounds maintainers, the only thing squeaky is how clean and kept they make Joint Base Charleston.
Proof of the fact is in plain sight all around the installation, even in areas some might not notice - because it's the details which Joppa employees focus on, he said.
That sort of attention to detail was recently noted by 628th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Martha Meeker. The commander paid Mr. Ely a personal visit to meet the man with the plan for keeping Joint Base Charleston in tip-top shape. For his dedication, the colonel presented Mr. Ely with a 628 ABW Commander's Coin as a token and reminder of her appreciation.
The colonel's recognition served as a visible sign that the Joppa grounds maintenance team exemplifies the spirit of Joint Team Charleston. Each day, they serve alongside their 628th Civil Engineer Squadron counterparts in working to make JBC the premier joint base in the Department of Defense.
"As Joppa's quality assurance NCO, I can say it's a pure pleasure to have a contractor so dedicated to Charleston's mission," said Master Sgt. Wade Durant, 628 CES Operations Support section. "They provide all grass cutting, tree trimming and other beautification tasks on over 1,500 hundred acres of main base, housing and flightline grounds."
In the winter months, the team braves the cold. In the summer, they soak up the sun and shake off the sweat. Rain or shine, they keep the base presentable year-round.
"Whether it is storm clean up, or just day to day maintenance, Joppa's consistent ability to get the job done right and ahead of contractual time constraints is outstanding," said Sergeant Durant.
Although the name "Joppa" may be foreign to some, it is certainly not for all.
"I am constantly getting e-mails and phone calls from various organizations complimenting on Mr. Ely's professionalism and can-do attitude. They are truly a valuable part of Team Charleston."
With accolades in abundance, the only wheels getting greased for Joppa are the ones on their riding mowers.
When their rubber meets the road, there Joint Team Charleston will find the Joppa grounds maintenance team keeping JBC a prize within Air Mobility Command, the Air Force and in many memories for years to come.