Members of the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) -Readiness led an Army Community Service (ACS) Certification Review Team in evaluating Fort Buchanan's ACS program, Jan. 8-12.

The certification, which takes place every four years, looks to validate the implementation of the Department of Defense program requirements and the Department of the Army processes that support Military Family Readiness.

"We assessed elements of cost, quality, effectiveness, utilization, accessibility, and customer satisfaction to identify strengths, challenges, trends, and best practices," said Michelle Thomas, leader of the ACS Certification team.

The team conducted an exhaustive validation of the 65 standards that govern the ACS program as part of the certification process. Fort Buchanan complies with 57 of those standards and is aggressively working to comply with all 65 standards.

According to the Installation Command Headquarters ACS Certification Standard Operating Procedures, required ACS services include Administration and Management, Human Resources, Administration and Service Environment, Emergency Family Assistance, Exceptional Family Member Program, Family Advocacy Program, Financial Readiness Program, Relocation Assistance Program, Deployment Assistance Program, Employment Assistance Program, Volunteer Management, Solider and Family Assistance Center, Army Family Action Plan and Survivor Outreach Services.

"The few areas for improvement that we have identified are administrative in nature. The execution is great, but we just need to document all the great activities and services being rendered to family members and service members. That will allow us to advocate for more resources for Fort Buchanan. The work is being done. We just need the documentation reflected on the system," said Shaunya M. Murrill, IMCOM Readiness ACS Program Manager.

During the briefing, the ACS Certification team distinguished Edwidg Pedre, Financial Readiness Program Specialist and Ruth Gonzalez, Family Advocacy Program Manager, for their hard work and dedication.

“Pedre and Gonzalez are rockstars for us,” added Thomas.

For Wilda Diaz, Fort Buchanan ACS Director, the certification process is of great assistance.

"Having personnel vacancies in the program creates some administrative challenges. However, our ACS team always goes the extra mile to accomplish the mission. We are certainly proud of our services to our families," said Diaz.

Meanwhile, Col. Charles N. Moulton, Fort Buchanan commander, said this certification process is an opportunity to improve.

"These processes are free help. I am glad that the certification team has validated the passion of the Fort Buchanan team and how they serve our families despite the challenges in manpower resources," said Moulton.

If you want to know more about the services ACS offers, you can stop by Davis Street, Building #225, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, or reach Wilda Diaz, ACS Director, at wilda.diaz3.civ@army.mil or by phone at 787-707-3804/3948.

ACS provides programs that support Soldier, Family, and civilian employee readiness by coordinating and delivering comprehensive and responsive services that promote self-reliance, resiliency, and stability.

As the Department of Army's home in the Caribbean, Fort Buchanan serves a diverse military community comprising approximately 15,000 Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers, Air Force, Marine Corps Reserve, and the Navy's Operational Support Center members.