Marines

Photo Information

A.C. Strickland, troop training and self-help supervisor for Public Work's Self-Help Program, shows Cpl. Patrick Kelly, a training clerk, Headquarters Company, Marine Special Operations Group, Marine Special Operations Command, how to drill and mount brackets for curtains he is installing in his units conference room.

Photo by Cpl. Patrick M. Fleischman

Help yourself to self help

17 Dec 2008 | Cpl. Patrick M. Fleischman Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Christmas could come early this year if your shop need’s maintenance or an updated look for the new year.

Public Work’s Self-Help Program offers units tools, materials and advice needed to fix small issues themselves without the normal wait time of the standard work request process.

Located in the industrial area in Bldg. 1204, the staff provides replacements for damaged ceiling tiles, window screens, blinds, toilet seats, floor tiles, electrical wall plates, towel bars and other small maintenance needs, said James D. Mahoney, deputy maintenance management superintendent, Maintenance Operations, Public Works, Installations and Environment Department.

Tools and supplies are available for routine maintenance and care of buildings and grounds, as well as pest control for unit areas, he said.

“It is a great cost savings tool for the base, and it saves them time by doing a lot of the work themselves,” said A.C. Strickland, troop training and self-help supervisor for the Self-Help Program.

Last year, the program completed 1,586 tickets, saving the Marine Corps $115,484, said Mahoney.

This service is available to any unit aboard Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River, said Strickland.

“Only part of our job is providing supplies and tools to units here, we also can train Marines with installations or advanced repairs,” said Strickland.

Marines commonly ask for help or advice with the installation of pull-up bars, painting parking lots or landscaping, he said.

“The Wounded Warrior Battalion wanted to enhance their grounds, and we provided mulch, weed cutters and some shrubs,” said Strickland. “The entire project came out great, and they did it by themselves.”

However, the program does have some guidelines. Work should be similar to what an average homeowner might accomplish, must repair or improve existing property and should not result in new construction, said Mahoney.

“If it seems like too large of a job, it probably is,” said Strickland. “Just ask and we’ll let you know if it is within the scope of a unit’s ability.”

To utilize the resources of the Self-Help Program, the requestor must complete Navy Facilities Form 9-11014/20, which can be obtained from the Installations and Environment Web site at https://facilities.lejeune.usmc.mil/PublicWorks/Operations/SelfHelp/SelfHelp.htm.

The turnaround for requests is usually one to two working days, said Mahoney.

By taking advantage of the Self-Help Program, units can help maintain the longevity and habitability of their buildings and workspaces which helps everyone in the end, he said.

For more information about the program, contact them at (910) 451-0072/73/74.


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