ASC engineer recognized as Louis Dellamonica Award recipient
William Ellis, an ASC engineer with more than 35 years of expertise in his craft, is ASC headquarters’ sole 2025 recipient of the Louis Dellamonica Award. His efforts as a mentor to new employees, as well as his attention to detail and practicality,make him a standout among the faces and names within the AMC enterprise.From building an initial concept up to the ribbon cutting, Ellis provides a steadiness to projects from start to completion.
“When on a team, I try to identify the best talent and encourage them to do their best work,” Ellis explained. He said he also has a network – including contractors and retirees – whom he asks for advice when needed. “Don’t be shy about doing more than expected or asking for a challenge. Ask questions, and answer questions you are asked. If you can explain something, you really do understand it.”
The Louis Dellamonica Award for Outstanding AMC Personnel of the Year is awarded annually to both military and Civilian employees who meet established criteria and are below the rank of general officer and senior executive service level. For 2025, AMC recognized 11 people across the enterprise whose work improves their organizations, inspires their teams, and reflects the highest standards of professionalism and character.
Ellis, along with the other recipients, will be formally recognized later this year at an awards presentation. The award is named in honor of Louis Dellamonica, who spent a 65-year career at Hawthorne Army Depot in Nevada as a general engineer. His legacy of innovation, integrity and mission-focused leadership mirrors the qualities AMC seeks in its honorees, qualities Ellis has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
ASC serves as AMC’s operational arm, directing the logistics and sustainment activities that underpin Army readiness. Whether through installation-level services or worldwide support, ASC enables Soldiers to train, deploy, and operate without disruption.
"Mr. Ellis's leadership and expertise were instrumental in advancing the command's mission," explained Tracy Neitzer, ASC's Facility Management and Engineering chief. "His guidance was critical in shaping the two newest team members' understanding of facilities management and ASC's complex operational requirements."
"He's kind of ASC's encyclopedia of knowledge for all things facility and engineering," Daniel Thompson, ASC facilities engineer said. "He shares that knowledge with everybody on the team."
Ellis thinks of details that many take for granted. He believes that functionality is paramount. That philosophy carries through all his projects, whether it's ocean tugboat vessel storage or a controlled humidity warehouse. He’s glad that the award is focused on his accomplishments and expertise in facilities.
“I get enormous satisfaction when one of ‘my’ buildings provides years of safe and efficient mission workspace,” Ellis said. “There is no better reward than an occupant saying ‘Hey, this is a great place to work ,’ or someone asking, ‘How do I get a place like this for my unit?’”
He's worked in two dozen countries throughout his career and takes local customs and history into account when designing the facilities. For example, Neitzer said Ellis incorporated floor-level toilets in Middle Eastern countries, and he follows local electrical codes that may vary wildly depending on location.Ellis encourages coworkers to take the same approach.
"He's emphasized the importance of taking care of the people at the facilities worldwide," Thompson said. "He wants to make sure their needs are met. He's really detail oriented; and he knows ASC's history very well. He brings a lot of knowledge to the table on that stuff."
Ellis has done lots of work for Army Prepositioned Stocks – strategic stockpiles of equipment and supplies stored across the world. From Qatar and Kuwait to Livorno, he’s handled projects big and small and also ensures maintenance, repairs, modification and construction projects are completed. One of his biggest projects is "Warehouse K," a facility in South Korea that spans an area nearly the size of eight football fields.
"These specialized warehouses are critical for protecting military equipment from the elements, including sunshine, humidity, rain, and snow," Neitzer said. "The controlled environment of Warehouse K, and similar facilities, has successfully cut maintenance costs in half for the equipment stored inside.”
Ellis also was a driving force behind the PulseTech battery maintenance equipment. Batteries were being replaced frequently after sitting in warehouses or on ships, but Ellis helped with a solution that has been implemented at several facilities across the world. Before, a few dozen batteries a week were being replaced. Now, that has dropped to just a few dozen a year. It’s become standard equipment for vehicle storage warehouses.
Whether it's reaching across cubicles or flying across continents, Ellis lives ASC's motto of "People First, Mission Always."
"He's always willing to help, no matter what," Thompson said. "He'll dig in and help you anytime you need it. He's always willing to lend a hand; and he brings a positive attitude."
Ellis encourages others to be humble and open-minded. “Learn from mistakes while they are still on paper, not in concrete and steel,” he advised. “Understand your role in the big picture. Know who the decision-makers are and aim your proposal to them. Know your audience. Learn what you can from experience – either yours or from others with longer service. Never assume you are the smartest person in the room and understand the history and development of the task you’re assigned. All the details are important."
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