WIESBADEN, Germany -- Six employees were issued surprise awards at their workplace for outstanding customer service at US Army Garrison Wiesbaden March 19, 2021.
Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington, accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Truchon and Scott Mowry, deputy to the garrison commander; began their morning at building 1023 to issue a $500 award and certificate of recognition to Julie Kelly, education services specialist.
The committee was also recognized members of the Project Inclusion working group for their efforts organizing the workforce diversity symposium on March 3, 2021. Members included Angela Hise, management support specialist; Brent O’Brien, Equal Employment Opportunity officer; Sheri Buono, education services specialist; Julie Kelly, education services specialist; Thomas Schulze, workforce development program manager; and Patricia Shepard, SHARP victim advocate
Julie A. Kelly, education services specialist, 10 years
Kelly is an advocate for Soldiers, helping them make informed decisions regarding their education. She coordinated three education briefings for 30 Soldiers, directly resulting in Soldiers taking concrete steps for FAST Class enrollment, scheduling APT tests, and school enrollment. Kelly has revamped the education center’s marketing campaign to reach customers who are not able to come in for face-to-face consultations due to COVID-19 restrictions. In December she intensified messaging for Spring enrollment by: increasing participation of on-post schools in the weekly AFN radio spot; amplifying the center’s presence on social media; boosting GoArmyEd broadcast messaging; and creating new contacts with other partner/organizations on post.
Katrina Pennington, bartender, 5 years
According to the award nomination form, Pennington “always has a smile and kind words even when faced with situations that others would have a hard time keeping calm in.” She is appreciated for her upbeat personality and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed.
Steffen Schwenke, Auto Skills recreation assistant, 4 years
Customers view Schwenke as a positive, friendly, professional and knowledgeable customer service expert. He is often specifically requested for service. He handles tough situations with customers calmly, understanding the stress they are under. Schwenke comment cards include: Nominee was great and very helpful!; Outstanding support/expertise from the whole staff – especially Steffen; Steffen was great help and his/her knowledge made it an easy fix; Nominee is amazing. Schwenke truly understands the mission he provides and always looks at things positively which leads to great customer service.
John Parr, information technology specialist, 22 years
According to the award nomination, Parr is “an indispensable member of our team and consistently represents outstanding customer service in our organization” In January, he serviced more than 100 customers with computer issues, allowing the workforce to complete its mission. While operating in the COV-19 pandemic, Parr has found innovative ways to provide service while not being in-person. According to customer feedback, Parr is patient, precise and deliberate as he fixes computer-related problems.
Michael Ewings, postal operations assistant, 1 year
“Michael is the quiet professional, who works hard and does not seek recognition,” according to award nomination form. “He is always friendly and willing to assist anyone.” His supervisors consistently receive positive customer comments regarding how courteous and helpful he is at the parcel pickup and finance windows in the postal center.
Kelly Withrow, vehicle registration clerk, less than a year
In January, Withrow established a pattern of excellence and achieved the highest level of professionalism while serving as a Vehicle Registration Clerk. Her strong customer service efforts improved the Vehicle Registration ICE rating to over 83%, which is the highest rating on record dating back to 2013. Her initiative at the front desk improved the scheduling process and sped up the entire operation. She is excelling at her position and is really making a difference.
Salih Abdu, transportation assistant with the 405th/LRC, 25 years
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