2021 I AM FORSCOM award recipients named

For the third year, U.S. Army Forces Command is highlighting and recognizing excellence within the command with the I AM FORSCOM Recognition award. The five honorees were recognized during the FORSCOM Chief of Staff Town Hall, March 17.

The honorees are Soldiers and Civilians from the headquarters who exemplify the Army’s values and work tirelessly every day in support of the organization’s mission and goals.

The I AM FORSCOM recognition is an opportunity to recognize FORSCOM’s staff for their achievements and accomplishments within the command, said Paulette Reese, FORSCOM Equal Employment Opportunity Director.

Nominees were evaluated on their contributions to FORSCOM’s mission; their leadership abilities; character attributes; accountability in executing responsibilities; ways they have improved operations; and their accomplishments and achievements.

The 2021 I am FORSCOM honorees are:

Mr. Darren Poesel, Security Specialist

Ms. Dixie Deehan, IT Specialist, ESRD

Dr. Tashan Whitsett, Test and Evaluation Specialist, Force Integration

Sgt. Valerie Shafer, IA Account Manager

Master Sgt. Edgar Arnall, Military Working Dog Manager

“This is a big deal and really recognizes our top talented men and women for exceptional achievements and also outstanding contributions to overall mission accomplishments,” said Maj. Gen. Eugene LeBoeuf, FORSCOM Chief of Staff. “We see that every day here, but these are individuals that we want to further recognize."

Darren Poesel, a Security Specialist at FORSCOM and one of the honorees, said that he contributes to the command’s readiness mission by “seeking out ways to master the fundamentals.”

“As the FC G-2’s Security Education Training and Awareness program manager, I’ve developed creative ways to provide (Virtual) Professional Security Development training throughout the FORSCOM security enterprise,” Poesel said. “As a result, the training has expanded to more than 40 installations and organizations, including multiple Navy and Air Force installations. These training initiatives have translated to over 350 security professionals trained while achieving a 90 percent passing rate on the Security Fundamental Professional Certification assessment.”

Also recognized for her accomplishments was Sgt. Valerie Shafer, FORSCOM Individual Augmentation Account Manager. In her position, she works to fill mission requirements both stateside and overseas.

“Excellence means being the best at what you do,” Shafer said. “It is to constantly develop yourself in both a personal and professional manner and to have that effort reflect in everything you do.”

LeBoeuf said that these honorees are indeed FORSCOM and they represent that every day through their contributions to the mission.

“Congratulations to each and every one of our individuals identified here. You are indeed FORSCOM,” he said.