Newsletter from the U.S. Army's Watervliet Arsenal - Sept. - Oct. 2025

The latest news from the U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal's official newsletter The Salvo.

1. Behn visits WVABehn visits WVA
Highlights Army transformation,Highlights Army transformation,
modernizationmodernization
Page 3Page 3
U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813 Sept - Oct 2025Sept - Oct 2025
Remembering 9/11Remembering 9/11
Watervliet honors lives lost Watervliet honors lives lost
Page 4Page 4
WVA walks, runs to stop suicideWVA walks, runs to stop suicide
National Suicide Prevention & National Suicide Prevention &
Awareness Month Awareness Month
Page 6Page 6

2. Page 2The Salvo
Commander’s Corner
COL Jason W. Schultz, PhD
This was made possible by several factors, chief of
which was the hard work of our skilled professionals
throughout the Arsenal. Incorporating the ideas
and efforts of the workforce, our Continuous Process
Improvement team completed all FY25 goals
by the end of May. These are a few of the many
accomplishments of the Arsenal over the last year and I
can’t say GOOD JOB! to all of you enough.

I am thrilled to welcome back The Salvo, as it gives
us an opportunity to recognize and report on items of
interest and activities at the Arsenal. In this issue, you
will see a number of great stories that may interest you.
We were fortunate that the new TACOM
Commanding General, Brigadier General Beth Behn,
chose Watervliet Arsenal as her first place to visit. It
was fantastic hosting her and key members of her staff
for a quick brief and tour of our production facility. We
took time to join the community in remembering the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We also took
time to reflect on Suicide Prevention and Awareness
Month.
Looking forward, our future remains bright.
Modernization and its associated construction can be
seen everywhere. Many of our gains are derived directly
from these projects and amplified by your innovation.
I am confident that we can build on the gains we
realized in Fiscal Year 2025 and soar to new heights in
Fiscal Year 2026. Our people – you – are foundational to
everything we do and we look forward to filling critical
vacancies to help us continue Building on Excellence as
we Forge the Future!
COL Jason W. Schultz, PhD
64th Commander, Watervliet Arsenal
As we enjoy the cooling temperatures of the waning days
of summer and look towards fall, it is a good time to reflect on
the past year and think about the future. Fiscal Year 2025 was a
banner year for Watervliet Arsenal, to include increasing ship-
ments of large caliber barrels and cannon assemblies by 31%.
Commander: Col. Jason W. Schultz, PhD
Public Affairs Officer: Matthew I. Day
Photography: Tanya Bissaillon, Matthew I. Day
www.wva.army.mil
www.facebook.com/WatervlietArsenal
The Arsenal Salvo is an authorized publication for members of
the Department of Defense. Contents of the Salvo are not necessar-
ily the official views of, or an endorsement by the U.S. Government,
the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the
Watervliet Arsenal.
Have a story idea? News may be submitted for publication by
sending articles to Public Affairs Officer, 1 Buffington Street, Bldg. 10,
Watervliet, NY 12189, or stop by office #102, Bldg. 10, Watervliet Ar-
senal. The editor may also be reached at [phone] or by email:
[email protected]. The editor reserves the right to edit all
information submitted for publication.
U.S. Army Watervliet Arsenal – Since 1813

3. Page 3September 2025
Story by: Matthew Day
The visit marked Behn’s first stop on her tour of
organic industrial base sites.
“I am happy to be here, Watervliet is the first
organic industrial base site I am visiting,” Behn said.
“I deeply appreciate what you do and for how you
were able to set this arsenal’s trajectory in a positive
direction.”
Watervliet Arsenal is the Army’s premier
manufacturer of cannon and mortar systems, a
capability critical to maintaining U.S. land power. During
her visit, Behn toured the facilities, observed advanced
manufacturing processes and met with the workforce
responsible for producing essential weapons.
She also reviewed recent modernization efforts,
including a new horizontal heat-treat system that
replaced an aging process with advanced computer-
controlled features designed to improve capacity and
quality.
Discussions during the visit focused on ongoing
production programs, including artillery, cannon and
mortar systems, as well as future initiatives aimed
at expanding capacity and incorporating emerging
technologies. Behn emphasized the importance
of innovative thinking as the Army transforms and
encouraged leaders to be bold and creative in finding
ways for the arsenal to increase productivity.
The visit underscored TACOM’s role in ensuring the
Army’s organic industrial base maintains a robust
manufacturing capability for critical weapon systems.
Arsenal leadership echoed its commitment to the
TACOM mission.
Behn assumed command of TACOM on July 22, 2025.
In addition to the command staff at TACOM’s Detroit
Arsenal headquarters, she oversees activities at the
Integrated Logistics Support Center, four depots, two
arsenals, the Army’s ground equipment supply chain
and life cycle management and sustainment efforts
supporting active-duty units worldwide.
Behn visits WVABehn visits WVA
Highlights Army transformation, modernizationHighlights Army transformation, modernization
Brig. Gen. Beth A. Behn made her first visit as commanding general of the U.S. Army
Tank-automotive and Armaments Command on Aug. 21, touring the arsenal’s manufactur-
ing floors to see how the Army’s cannon and mortar factory is supporting Army readiness
and modernization

4. Page 4The Salvo
Flanked by members of the City of Watervliet and Wa-
tervliet Arsenal fire and police departments, COL Schultz
joined state and local leaders in honoring the lives lost
during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Schultz performed the
honors as the ceremony’s guest speaker.
In his remarks, COL Schultz recalled the aftermath of
Sept. 11 and how the nation responded with unity to
face the challenges ahead. He said that call to action
remains a lasting legacy of the tragic day.
“In the immediate aftermath, the resilience of the
American spirit was palpable. One could sense a re-
newed sense of community, of connection to our fellow
citizens, ” COL Schultz said. “Moreover, they steeled
America’s resolve to being the perpetrators of these acts
to justice and to set conditions for peace both at home
and abroad.”
The arsenal commander concluded by paraphrasing
President Abraham Lincoln’s First Inagural Address and
Gettysburg Address: “Maybe we can find the ‘better
angels of our nature’ and ‘that from these honored dead
we take increased devotion to that cause for which they
gave the last full measure of devotion’ to find more com-
mon cause with one another.”
The ceremony culminated with members of the
Watervliet and Watervliet Arsenal fire and police de-
partments taking turns ringing a bell to honor the first
responders who died as the towers collapsed. Firefight-
ers rang the bell three, four and three times, signifying
the 343 firefighters who perished. Police rang it three
and then seven times to honor the 37 officers killed in
the attacks.
The annual event was first organized by members
of the Elks Lodge as a way to honor the 2,977 lives lost
in the attacks and the many more who later died from
toxic exposure in the months and years that followed.
On the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, COL Jason Schultz, commander of
Watervliet Arsenal, joined community leaders in honoring the victims during the city’s 9/11
Remembrance Ceremony at the Watervliet Colonie Elks Lodge.
Story by: Matthew Day
Remembering 9/11Remembering 9/11
Watervliet honors lives lostWatervliet honors lives lost
Watervliet Arsenal Police Officer Christopher Pink performs the ceremonial
ringing of the bell for the 37 police officers killed when the World Trade
Center towers collapsed while assisting rescue efforts on September 11.

5. Page 5September 2025

Participants were doused in colorful, non-toxic pow-
der as they traversed the course, creating a festive and
impactful visual display. The run/walk was organized by
WVA Employee Assistance Program Coordinator Erica
Clark and volunteers from across the arsenal who are
committed to fostering a supportive and healthy work
environment.
“The turnout today was incredible,” Clark said “It’s a
powerful demonstration of our arsenal’s dedication to
looking out for one another and breaking the stigma
surrounding mental health. We want everyone to know
they are not alone.”
National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
provides an opportunity to connect individuals with
resources and support. Watervliet Arsenal is committed
to providing its workforce with access to mental health
services and promoting a culture of open communica-
tion.
The event served as a colorful reminder that seeking
help is a sign of strength, and that a supportive com-
munity can make all the difference.
Story by: Matthew Day
Employees gathered on August 18 to help raise awareness and prevent
suicide. The event served as a kick-off event for National Suicide Preven-
tion Month in September.
More than 100 members of Team Watervliet laced up their for a vibrant color run/walk aimed
at raising awareness for suicide prevention on August 18. The event, held on Arsenal grounds,
served as a kickoff to observing National Suicide Prevention Month in September.
WVA walks, runs to stop suicideWVA walks, runs to stop suicide
National Suicide Prevention & Awareness MonthNational Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month
Participants dodge color sprayers during the Watervliet Arsenal Suicide
Prevention and Awareness Color Run and Walk. The event served as a
kick-off event for National Suicide Prevention Month in September.

6. Page 6The Salvo
INTERNAL REVIEW AND AUDIT COMPLIANCE OFFICE
1 | Page
Audit Readiness Bulletin
STRENGTHENING INTERNAL CONTROLS
FOR A SEAMLESS AUDIT EXPERIENCE
As we approach the next audit cycle, it’s time to
sharpen our focus on audit readiness and the
role of internal controls in ensuring transparency,
accountability, and operational excellence.
What Is Audit Readiness?
Audit readiness means being prepared—at any
time—for an independent review of your
financial and operational processes. It’s not just
about documentation; it’s about building a
culture of compliance and proactive risk
management.
Internal Controls: The Backbone of
Readiness Effective internal controls help:
•Prevent and detect errors or fraud
•Ensure accurate financial reporting
•Safeguard assets and sensitive data
•Promote operational efficiency
2025 Revision of the Green Book – Federal
Internal Control Standards
The U.S. Government Accountability Office
(GAO) has released the 2025 revision of the
Standards for Internal Control in the Federal
Government, commonly known as the Green
Book. This framework provides federal agencies
with essential guidance for designing,
implementing, and operating effective internal
control systems to support operational integrity,
accurate reporting, and regulatory compliance.
1

Key Highlights:
•The revision includes enhanced guidance on
fraud risk, improper payments, information
security, and emergency program
implementation.
•Effective beginning fiscal year 2026, with
early adoption permitted.
•Developed with input from the Green Book
Advisory Council and public commentary to
ensure relevance and rigor.
Agencies are encouraged to review the updated standards and begin aligning their internal control systems accordingly. The full document is
available through the GAO Green Book portal.
1
U.S. Government Accountability Office. Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government . GAO-25-107721. Washington, DC: Government Accountability
Office, 2025. https://guides.gaoinnovations.gov/greenbook/2025

7. Page 7September 2025
INTERNAL REVIEW AND AUDIT COMPLIANCE OFFICE
2 | Page
Quick Quiz: Are You Audit-Ready? Want to reinforce your understanding of the newly revised internal control standards? Take a quick interactive
quiz developed by the Fiscal Service to challenge your grasp on federal control principles
???????????????????????? Launch the quiz:https://fiscal.treasury.gov/training/cot/modulef/Lesson1/story_html5.html
A STRONG Risk Management and Internal Control (RMIC) Program and the internal controls that come with it are key to a successful audit-
and a successful mission!
Remember: Audit readiness is mission readiness.
RMIC Course: A 90-minute course that will teach you about the RMIC program.
The Army Process Portal (APP):
The APP is a centralized repository that houses process maps, internal controls, and policies for processes that generate financial events that
are ultimately recorded in the Army’s accounting general ledger and audited under the annual financial statement audits.
RMIC SharePoint Site:
The Army's Risk Management and Internal Controls Program Site serves as a central resource for the most current RMIC updates, tools,
templates, policies, and guidance. This site assists in making informed decisions and maintaining effective risk management practices.
We are all in this together!

8. Page 8The Salvo
Wellness
WVA EAP & ASAP Offices
Be aware of Benzodiaze-
pine withdrawl syndrome
Well over 200,000 emergency room visits each year
involve benzodiazepines, and a significant number
of the visits are related to withdrawal complications.
The most potentially dangerous benzodiazepines
to withdraw from include Xanax, Valium, Klono-
pin, Ativan, and Restoril, despite nearly 90 million
prescriptions being filled last year for conditions like
anxiety and insomnia. Ad-diction medicine physi-
cians warn not to withdraw from these medications
without medical supervision be-cause, depending
on dosage and time used, withdrawal can be riskier
than a heroin addict quitting “cold turkey.” If you or
a loved one are using a benzodiazepine, follow the
instructions of the prescriber regarding dosage, use,
and cessation to protect your health and well-being.
Learn more: www.benzoinfo.com
Bullying in the workplace
It’s a myth that bullying in the workplace is always
obvious. Bullying may be invisible to bystanders
or impossible to label as such with only one stand-
alone incident in the absence of its context. This is
what makes mistreatment of others insidious. And
it’s what makes a complete “bullying behaviors
checklist” difficult to construct. Do you practice
bullying behaviors? Rather than a checklist, examine
two questions: Do you desire or seek to control or
influence your coworker’s behavior motivated by
your own desires, needs, or self-serving motives?
If not, are these motives hidden behind what you
often label as “helping” (i.e., helping someone grow
or know their place; helping someone not get too
ambitious, “helping them not getting burned,” or
“learning the politics of this place”?
If you feel that you’re bullied or harassed, please
contact your installation’s Anti-Harassment Program
Coordinator.
https://positivepsychology.com/workplace-bullying/
Sending your young adult off
to college - 4 coping strategies
you could both use
Story by: Behavioral Health Counseling & Consulting | Counseling
It’s that time of year again, millions of young adults
are making the transition to leave home and attend a
university. Alongside them, millions of parents are field-
ing the gamut of emotions as they prep and watch their
children fly from the nest for the first time.
Last year, an estimated 19.9 million students attend-
ed colleges and universities, according to the National
Center for Educational Statistics. Recent trends indicate
a growing diversity in the student population, with more
non-traditional students and international enrollments,
adding to the complexity of this transition for families.
And while it’s true that the number of students
heading “off” to college might be a little less than in previ-
ous years, the weight of this life transition is still the same.
So, whether your child has opted for distance learning,
chosen to attend a school closer to home, or will attend
a school across the country, use these four coping strate-
gies to help you get a handle on the change. However, if
you find yourself struggling and needing someone to talk
to then please reach out to a licensed professional coun-
selor.
4 Coping Strategies You Can Both Use:
1. Know That It’s Perfectly Normal and OK to Feel Sad
2. Keep Calm and Let the Plan Take Hold
3. Let Them Fly and Remind Them (and Yourself!) That
You’re Still Close By
4. Take Time to Focus on Your Self-Care and Your Needs
After the Transition
During September, and throughout the year, the
Army is dedicated to preventing suicide by addressing
stigma and shifting harmful perceptions, spreading hope,
and sharing vital information about resources that sup-
port suicide prevention. We are committed to strength-
ening support networks in our Army community and
ensuring Soldiers, Army Civilians and Family members
have access to the resources they need.
https://behavioralhealthcnc.com/sending-your-child-off-to-college-here-
are-4-coping-strategies-you-could-both-use/

9. Page 9September 2025
Length of service awards
Honoring dedicated, loyal service
5 years
September
Tanya Bissaillon
Nathaniel Pauley
November
James Buono
Richard Freeman
10 years
October
Richard Boulay
November
Brian Badger
Bruno Batko
15 years
September
Tamara Cyphers
October
Stephen Edwards
20 years
September
Kenneth Farley
Henry Isenbergh
25 years
September
Alan Howard Rayno, Jr.
Tad Wojtczak
October
Michael Hockenberry
Brandon Pipes
30 years
October
Dorothy Sellers
35 years
November
Joseph Neale
Upcoming events
What’s happening in and around WVA
October
Oct. 13 - Columbus Day
Oct. 16 - WVA Town Hall
Oct. 26 - Trunk or Treat
Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 23 - 30
Oct. 23 - Pledge Board
Oct. 24 - Roadster & Goggles Activity
Oct. 27 - Lunch and Learn Games
Oct. 28 - Red Ribbon Walk
Oct. 29 - Roadster & Goggles Activity
Oct. 30 - Connect 4 & Altered Vision Goggles
November
Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
Nov. 27 - Thanksgiving
December
National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention
Month
Dec. TBD - Tree lighting ceremony
Dec. 25 - Christmas

10. Fire safety tips for your homeFire safety tips for your home
1) Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
on every level of your home and in bedrooms.
2) Test and change detector batteries every six
months.
3) Have an emergency fire escape plan for your
family and practice it.
4) If there is a fire in your home, get our, dial 911
and don’t go back inside.
5) Place at least one fire extinguisher on each
floor in your home and inspect them monthly for
pressurization – replace as needed.
6) Maintain electrical cords and unplug devices
when they are not in use.
7) Double check all appliances are switched off
after use.
8) Check dryer vents and clean out lint filter after
each use.
As colder weather approaches, so does the risk of fire in your homes. Below
are tips on how you can help prevent fires and keep your homes and loved
ones safe.
THINK SAFETYTHINK SAFETY
Stay Safe!Stay Safe!