FORT SILL, Okla. -- One of Forts Sill's elite has been selected to participate in the prestigious Installation Management Command Headquarters Centralized Mentoring Program for 2012.

Thomas Easterly, 48, a strategic planning specialist in the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office, competed against almost 100 other applicants; only 32 mentees were selected. Easterly was the only Fort Sill Garrison employee to make the applicant list.

"It is a great privilege and honor to be among the 32 selected mentees," said Easterly, a retired first sergeant field artilleryman. "I look forward to being mentored by some of IMCOM's best senior leaders."

The program began in early January, Easterly said. It consists of a three-day orientation at IMCOM headquarters; one week of shadowing at his mentor's installation, which for Easterly is Korea; a yearlong mentorship with the senior-level IMCOM supervisor/leader through regular video teleconferences, e-mails and phone conversations; and a line of effort briefing to the IMCOM commanding general or senior executive service adviser. The mentees are assigned work projects and leadership challenges for professional growth throughout the year.

Easterly was recommend for the program by his supervisor, deputy garrison commander, garrison commander and a regional director at San Antonio. He has worked at Fort Sill for 2.5 years. His duties includes managing the installation's planning boards; and garrison off site meetings and town halls.

He said goals are very important. His 2012 goals are to be the best at his job, complete the mentorship program and share the information with others, and continue work on his doctorate of education degree.

Easterly encouraged more people to apply to the mentoring program because it is a great program.