FORT LEE, Va.  –   Melvin Grayson is the new Safety Manager at Kenner Army Health Clinic and has already hit the pavement running.

As a retired Master Sergeant, Battalion Maintenance Supervisor in the U.S. Army, he planned to pursue safety after retiring.

Mr. Grayson worked at CASCOM for 12 and half years, first in Transportation and later Ordnance, both as the Safety Manager.

"I have been doing safety even before I was a civilian," said Grayson. “We always had the additional duty as a mechanic, and I was always the environmental, hazmat, and safety officer.”

When asked why he came to Kenner, he said it was time for something new.

"I needed something new to re-energize me, and I'm here and loving the change," he said. "This is what I love about safety; you can never know everything about safety. Every organization you go to, safety is different. You have the broad safety knowledge that can get you by, but you learn various safety aspects. Coming to Kenner is another aspect of safety. When we PCS in the military, we go to a new organization. It is unique to us, but we learn over time. I am up for the challenge."

"Yes, Kenner is new to me, but our job is to make recommendations as Safety Managers. In this environment, you have to be safe because you deal with patients, hazardous materials, and such. From what I have seen so far, we are safe. The command pushes safety here at Kenner."

Mr. Grayson is looking forward to having a great working relationship with staff members.

"We are here for the same common goal," he said. "Staff can come to me anytime; I am going to give them the best advice possible for their area to be prosperous."

He is already working on projects to get Additional Duty Safety Officers certified.

"Safety can't be everywhere," said Grayson. "These skilled members will be the eyes and ears of the Safety Manager."

Outside of safety, Grayson is passionate about giving back. He states he is on the Hopewell and Prince George Healthy Families board.

He also volunteers with AMVETS out of Roanoke, which helps veterans with their disability claims. In addition, he volunteers with James' house.

He has been married for 36 years and has four children and ten grandchildren and enjoys the NASCAR racing and the NHRA/camping.

To reach the Safety Manager, please email at melvin.l.grayson.civ@mail.mil or phone at 734-9445.