Alaska Post Spotlight: Shenicia Askew

By Trish Muntean, Fort Wainwright PAOJune 8, 2012

Shenicia Askew, management support assistant to the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation at Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Shenicia Askew, the management support assistant to the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation considers herself a "jane of all trades." She said the most satisfying part of her job is helping everyone, no matter what it is that they n... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- (June 8, 2012) Her friends call her Neicey, her siblings "the drill sergeant" and sometimes her boss refers to her at the gate keeper. But Shenicia Askew, the management support assistant to the director of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation is so much more than that.

Born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and raised in Miami, Askew, is the oldest of seven children (four girls and three boys) and is proud of her role as a wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.

But there are many sides to Askew. Something that may come as a surprise to some is that she serves in the U.S. Army reserves as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the field of automotive maintenance.

She was originally a Blackhawk pilot, but had to change career fields when she transferred from the Virgin Islands because there were no aviation assets within 1500 miles.

"This might sound crazy but I would love to be in Afghanistan with my old Combat Engineer Maintenance Team doing missions," said Askew. "I love being a grease monkey."

Since she can't be there, she is satisfied with and proud of her professional accomplishments and the impact she has made at FMWR.

"I'm just a Jane of all trades" Askew said. "Having the opportunity to be a part of the organization that gives back to the Soldiers is an honor for me especially

being a Soldier."

"Shenicia is such a pleasure to work with," said Cindy Blum, the garrison administrative officer.

"She knows her stuff and has really improved the processes in DFMWR since starting there" she said. "She is willing to help anyone who comes to her for assistance, to include those outside of the DFMWR arena."

"Shenicia is an adaptive leader who seeks more efficient ways to support our team and the mission," said Mike Campbell, the commercial sponsorship and advertising manager for FMWR.

"I appreciate her for her willingness to collaborate and share her knowledge to empower others. She lives the Army values which is a testament to her patriotism," he said.

"Hearing that they are happy that I am here and feeling very appreciated makes me really proud because it shows that I am doing my job to the best of my ability," Askew said.

In her spare time (not that there is much of it) she enjoys spending time with her Family: Warrant Officer Laquinsa Askew, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment and her sons, Derrick O'Neal, 16 and DeMoi Greaves, 11.

Askew also enjoys mentoring Soldiers, cheering on her favorite football team, the New England Patriots, playing video games, dancing and cooking.

Ultimately, her dream job is to own an organization that takes kids off the streets and give them jobs, a place to stay and to assist them in furthering their education or maybe help them meet the qualifications to join the military.

For now though, she is making a positive impact on those in the Fort Wainwright community, simply doing her job.