Camp Henry, DAEGU, South Korea - A wave of pride washed over U.S. Army Garrison Daegu as three exceptional employees were recently announced as recipients of the prestigious Installation Management Command Stalwart Award. This year’s honorees – Sean Wise, DFMWR Director; Richard Santos, DPW Environmental Division Chief; and Joo Im, DPW Engineering Division Chief – represent the very best of what it means to “Make a Difference,” the garrison’s guiding motto.
What makes this recognition truly remarkable is that one Garrison receiving three Stalwart Awards in a single year is unprecedented.
Sean Wise was lauded for his innovative approach to enhancing quality of life for service members and families, expanding recreational opportunities while maximizing resources, and his sharp focus on modernization and people.
Rich Santos’ dedication to environmental stewardship transformed Daegu’s sustainability program, exceeding compliance standards and fostering a keen interest in recycling and quality of life for the more than 9,000 Soldiers, civilians, and family members of USAG Daegu.
Joo Im’s engineering expertise and visionary leadership were instrumental in crucial infrastructure improvements, contributing directly to the garrison’s operational readiness. In particular, his dedication to finding the right solutions for issues in Army Family Housing Towers significantly enhanced the quality of life for tenants.
According to USAG Daegu Deputy Garrison Commander Chet Witkowski, recognition like this, like our best in the Army Fire Department, consistently award-winning Safety Department, just confirms the USAG Daegu is a great place to work and make your home.
“This is a testament to the incredible team we have here at Daegu,” said Witkowski. “Sean, Rich, and Joo consistently go above and beyond, embodying our ‘Make a Difference’ spirit. Their commitment isn’t just to their jobs, but to the well-being of everyone on this installation.”
Col. Dave Henning, USAG Daegu Commander, echoed this sentiment. “I am immensely proud of these individuals. Their dedication, professionalism, and proactive problem-solving are exactly what we need to continue providing a world-class installation for our Soldiers, families, and mission partners. They truly are stalwarts – pillars of strength and unwavering commitment.”
The awards will be formally presented at a ceremony in the future, celebrating the contributions of these three outstanding members of the USAG Daegu and IMCOM team. Their success serves as an inspiration to all, proving that dedication and innovation truly can “Make a Difference.”
The Stalwart Award was approved by the Secretary of the Army in 2003 for IMCOM individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of performance and significantly contributed to the command's success and responsibilities.
Stalwart Award evaluation criteria assess a nominees’ contributions and their measurable achievements in IMCOM missions, based on title and industry. Stalwart Award evaluation criteria also consider how the nominees’ colleagues perceive them as a motivating force in the workplace.
2024 IMCOM Stalwart Award winners:
ID-Europe:
• Sonia Paoloni (USAG Italy)
• Michael Engen (USAG Ansbach)
• Thomas Raffaello (USAG Italy)
• Stephanie Poulsen (IMCOM-Europe G4)
• Tim Volk (IMCOM-Europe G9)
• Christine Quijote-Oaks (USAG Benelux)
ID-Pacific:
• Scott Carter (USAG Hawaii)
• Richard Santos (USAG Daegu)
• Joo Im (USAG Daegu)
• Sean Wise (USAG Daegu)
ID-Readiness:
• Robert Medina (Fort Bliss)
• Mark Ryales (Fort Campbell)
• Robert O’Reily (Fort Johnson)
• Shiela Curtis (Fort Cavazos)
ID-Sustainment:
• Tanya Blatz (Detroit Arsenal)
• Timothy Wilcoxen (Picatinny Arsenal)
ID-Training:
• Carrie McEnteer (Carlisle Barracks)
• Deserie Garrett-Lehman (Fort Eustis)
U.S. Army Garrison Daegu manages base operations on six U.S. Army installations and 11 sites in Area IV of South Korea, stretching from Daejeon to Busan. As an enduring hub on the peninsula, it also provides support to the U.S. Navy at Fleet Activities Chinhae in Jinhae and the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Mujuk in Pohang.
Major installations include Camps Henry, Walker, and George in Daegu; Camp Carroll in Waegwan; Pier 8 and Busan Storage Center in Busan; and other smaller outposts. Major tenant units include the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 403rd Army Field Support Brigade and U.S. Army Material Supply Center-Korea.
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