FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- An instructor with the 304th Military Intelligence Battalion has been selected as the Training and Doctrine Command 2009 Instructor of the Year in the Department of the Army Civilian Category. Mark Domenic is the primary Critical Thinking instructor in the battalion.
For his accomplishment, Domenic will be presented with a TRADOC commander's note, coin and plaque by Gen. Martin Dempsey, TRADOC commanding general, on May 18, during the Army Training and Education Development Summit in Newport News, Va.
This is not the first time Domenic has taken home a top honor. He now has the distinction of having won the competition's "Triple Crown," of instructing.
In 2009, Domenic was named the United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence 2008 Instructor of the Year. The same year, he also won the Defense Intelligence Agency's, General Intelligence Training Instructor of the Year.
"No other instructor in the history of this school has won all three awards. He's done a clean sweep," said Rick Ward, chief, Staff and Faculty Development Division, Fort Huachuca.
Domenic started his military career in January 1984 when he decided to join the Army. In 2002 Domenic came to Fort Huachuca as an active-duty Soldier and was assigned to instruct at 35 Fox.
"At first I was not sure about the teaching, but after the first time I taught, I knew I liked it," said Domenic.
In 2005, Domenic decided to retire. He says it was a joint decision between him and his wife Elizabeth to stay in Arizona. Domenic originally hails from New Jersey.
Immediately after he retired, Domenic was hired to teach the Military Intelligence Basic Officers Leadership Course with the 304th MI Battalion.
In September 2008, Domenic moved over to the 304th Headquarters and became the primary Critical Thinking instructor.
"I love teaching; to me this is a dream job. I have no plans on leaving. I really, really enjoy it," he stated.
Throughout his eight years of teaching, Domenic says he's taught more than 5,000 Soldiers.
"The vast majority of them want to be here. They want to learn, and that's what makes it worthwhile," Domenic said.
The instructor is not sure why he won all three awards.
"I just get up there and teach, and whatever happens, happens."
His coworkers say he stands out; he's a great co-worker and instructor.
"There's a lot of folks who have helped me get to where I am that are behind the scenes. I certainly didn't get here by myself," he stated.
Domenic said he's grateful for the awards. He says he has a great family support system that has supported him during his time with the military, and still continues to do so.
Social Sharing