Thomas Hill (center) received the Order of the White Feather on August 14, presented by Barbara Trower-Simpkins (left), ACS director, and Jennifer Hodges (right), director of Family and MWR. The Order of the White Feather is the Army’s second highest award for achievements in support of the Army’s FMWR programs. As of February 2024, only 476 individuals have received the prestigious award. Photo by Audra Satterlee, ACS Marketing
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Catherine Mansfield (center) received the Order of the White Plume Award on Aug. 22, presented by Barbara Trower-Simpkins (left), ACS director, and Jennifer Hodges (right), director of Family and MWR. The Order of the White Plume is the Army’s second-highest award for achievements in support of the Army’s FMWR programs. As of February 2024, only 476 individuals have received the prestigious award. Photo by Audra Satterlee, ACS Marketing.
ORIGINAL ADVERTISEMENTS
Written by Audra Satterlee, Fort Liberty ACS Marketing
FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Army Community Service is saying goodbye to two of its most dynamic and experienced program managers, Thomas Hill and Catherine Mansfield, as they prepare to retire at the end of this month. In recognition of the immense contributions both made to the government and military families during their lives, Jennifer Hodges, director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, and Barbara Trower-Simpkins, ACS director, recognized them during an all-employee assembly Aug. 14. The Army awarded each of them the second highest award for service in support of Army FMWR programs – the Order of the White Plume.
Established in 1982 by the Adjutant General of the Army, this prestigious award recognizes significant achievements, accomplishments, or deeds that make a long-term contribution to the Army FMWR. As of February 2024, only 476 individuals have received the Order of the White Plume. Notable recipients include retired Gen. George W. Casey, retired Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth Preston, and former IMCOM commanders Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson and Maj. Gen. John Macdonald.
“Both Thomas Hill and Catherine Mansfield embodied the White Plume values during their many years of service at FMWR,” said Barbara Trower-Simpkins, ACS director. “They always kept the families of service members and the military community at the center of everything they did. It was a great honor to nominate them for this award.”
These leaders have dedicated their careers and lives to improving the quality of life and well-being of Soldiers, Families and civilians worldwide. Their individual and collective accomplishments embody the core mission of the Army Civilian Corps and FMWR – improving the lives of Soldiers, Families and civilians – and have earned them both a place among the select few to receive this prestigious award.
Hill’s distinguished 40-plus year government career, including nearly 20 years with FMWR, left a lasting impression on the community, both locally and overseas. As Fort Liberty ACS FAPM, Hill worked tirelessly to reduce the incidence of child, spouse and partner abuse. His efforts and professionalism ensured that prevention and education programs were included in Army-level plans and strategies, resulting in additional programs for the Army. Hill represented the interests of Soldiers, families and civilians in everything he did to ensure that domestic abuse was not tolerated in any way.
“Mr. Hill was an anchor of the Family Advocacy Program at Fort Bragg/Liberty for over 20 years as a civilian,” said Trower-Simpkins. “He worked with numerous agencies on and off base to increase awareness, consistency and stability of the program. He pioneered numerous Army pilot programs that were eventually implemented Army-wide and was instrumental in establishing programs that helped prevent domestic violence against partners, spouses and children.”
Hill is proud to have worked with such exceptional team members during his time at FAPM. He said the significant decline in infant mortality during his time with the team is a testament to all their hard work.
During her 36 years as ACS manager at Fort Bragg/Liberty, Mansfield facilitated processes and improved every project she was involved with.
Mansfield skillfully managed all operational tasks, worked with installation services, local and state agencies, planned major events, provided key regulatory guidance, piloted numerous programs that were eventually rolled out across the Army, and shared her years of knowledge and experience with those around her.
“Ms. Mansfield has directly and positively impacted the military community, having a lasting impact on Soldier and Family programs and the readiness and well-being of those we serve,” said Trower-Simpkins. “She selflessly demonstrated creativity, dedication and loyalty for more than 36 years and we will miss her greatly.”
Mansfield said she enjoyed the ever-changing work environment at FMWR and the military community and that it made her proud to know she could always help in one way or another.
The number of lives these two extraordinary individuals have positively impacted throughout their careers is immeasurable, and their professional legacy will live on for years to come through their achievements.
