Hard work and dedication drive Pōhakuloa Training Area Employee of the Quarter

By Bob McElroy IMCOMNovember 22, 2012

USAG Pōhakuloa names Sprintz Employee of the Quarter
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

POHAKULOA, Hawaii--Maintenance worker T. J. Sprintz was recently named the U.S. Army Garrison Pōhakuloa Employee of the Quarter for his hard work and dedication to mission accomplishment.

Sprintz said he was shocked and grateful when he learned he'd won the award. In addition to a certificate he will receive a $300 cash award. He plans to spend the cash award on his family.

Pōhakuloa Director of Public Works Gene Arter said he nominated Sprintz for the award to help him get promoted and because he does a great job.

"He is one hell of a hard worker," Arter said. "He's extremely valuable and absolutely reliable. He's a self-starter; you don't have to tell him what to do."

During a normal day you can find Sprintz repairing a sink or a toilet or a shower. He also serves as a collateral duty safety officer.

Sprintz knows he has a thankless job but he does it with pride and professionalism.

"I love my job, I feel I have a responsibility to do the best I can," Sprintz said. "I enjoy supporting the troops; I feel I'm giving something back."

Sprintz's supervisor, Pernell Hanoa, said he is someone who is positive and tries hard.

"He has a good personality," Hanoa said, "He's reliable and will do the job right."

Sprintz has worked at Pōhakuloa since 2009. Before that he worked as a mechanic at Volcanoes National Park for 26 years. He moved to Pōhakuloa when the park eliminated his job.

At Pōhakuloa he tries to help his co-workers when he can whether the task involves carpentry, electrical work or anything else.

"I love PTA, we're in the middle of nowhere; we're on our own so someone has to step up and do the job," Sprintz said. "Everyone counts on you."

Related Links:

USAG Pōhakuloa Flickr site

Official website of U.S. Army Garrison Pohakuloa

USAG Pōhakuloa Twitter feed