Awardees
The Department of War Education Activity is pleased to announce the following DoWEA Employee of the Quarter recipients.
Ms. Nancy G. Brizuela
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Brizuela played a key role in the success of the E3O program, where she has improved enrollment tracking systems, and helped expand educational opportunities for military-connected families.
Mr. Brian Hyden
Lead Facility Operations Specialist
Mr. Hyden significantly enhanced facility operations, safety, and mission readiness across one of DoWEA’s most geographically dispersed districts, supporting 21 schools throughout Japan.
Mr. Theodore J. Kaiser
General Investigator and Inspector, OIG
Mr. Kaiser strengthened leadership accountability across the region by delivering in-person training to more than 70 senior leaders and onboarding new leadership personnel.
Mr. Jose A. Dominguez
Administrative Officer
Mr. Dominguez managed logistics and coordination for more than 20 major school and community events, while enhancing emergency preparedness and safety protocols across both campuses.
Mr. Timothy Heggem
Administrative Officer
Mr. Timothy Heggem received recognition of his exceptional performance as Administrative Officer for Arnn Elementary and his support of Lanham Elementary.
Ms. Veronica A. Tesser
Fourth Quarter
2025
Human Resources Specialist
Ms. Tesser played a leading role in launching the Human Resources Service Desk (HRSD), provided extensive training and support, and created user guides and knowledge articles.
Ms. Laressa K. Wong
Administrative Officer
Ms. Wong demonstrated strong accountability in logistics and property management, ensuring accurate inventory reporting and readiness of resources.
Mr. Robert K. Smith
Instructional Systems Specialist (Student Activities)
Mr. Smith's professionalism and commitment have significantly strengthened JROTC and student programs across Europe.
Mr. Xavier K. Brown
Program Specialist (Student Transportation)
Mr. Brown’s initiative, reliability, and leadership set a high standard for excellence in service. His performance exemplifies the values and mission of DoWEA.
Mrs. Sharon E. Montanez LeDuc
Writer/Policy Support Specialist
Mrs. Montanez’ writing has uplifted morale and strengthened the culture of the organization. She is known for her compassion, integrity, and thoughtful collaboration.
Ms. Melissa Howard
School Support Assistant
Ms. Howard is a school support assistant at Lakenheath Middle School. Her meticulous approach resulted in zero discrepancies during audits, showcasing exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to maintaining accurate records.
Mr. Yoshikazu (Ken) Oshiro
Lead IT Specialist
Mr. Oshiro serves as the lead of the Network Operations Center (NOC), and his contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. He fosters a collaborative, team-oriented work environment, inspiring his peers across the global DoDEA IT network.
Mr. Martin L. Labs
Administrative Officer
Martin Labs serves as the administrative officer at Spangdahlem Elementary School in Germany. His exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment have significantly enhanced the school’s administrative operations and climate.
Mr. Joseph J. Bianco
Facility Operations Specialist
Joseph Bianco, a facility operations specialist, oversees seven schools in the United Kingdom and the Community Superintendent’s Office at Feltwell Air Base, providing invaluable support.
Mr. Damon Doyle
School Support Assistant
Damon Doyle serves as the school support assistant at Johnson Primary School in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He continues to make the school a better place by going above and beyond the standards and expectations for his position. He is always willing to take on extra duties and does so with a smile.
Ms. Julia Carroll
Third Quarter
2024
Hotline Coordinator
Julia Carroll distinguished herself through exceptional meritorious performance as the program manager for the DoWEA Hotline Program, as well as assuming the role of DoWEA Office of Inspector General record manager, contract representative, and acting Pacific IG investigator.
Mr. Richard Stone
Administrative Officer
As the administrative officer at Sembach Elementary School in Germany, Richard Stone serves as the Sembach 21st Century Elementary School construction project liaison.
Mr. Jason Davies
Facilities Operations Specialist
As the lead facility operations specialist for the Europe South District, Jason Davies is directly responsible for the three Vicenza Schools, the District Office, and the Annex.
Mr. David M. Kretz
As a program analyst with the Europe Region Office, David Kretz's expertise spans a broad spectrum of disciplines, including logistics, manpower, and education policy.
Mr. William C. Bidinger
School Support Assistant
As the school support assistant at Netzaberg Elementary School, William Bidinger has always taken on additional duties and performed beyond the standards or expectations of his position.
Ms. Joy Medley
Fourth Quarter
2023
Education Branch Education Policy Specialist
Ms. Medley has provided exceptional guidance to the SAF program by conducting in-person technical assistance to 29 schools, seven school districts, and three regions on the administrative and fiscal management of the program and the Educational Products Educational Services online accounting system.
Mr. Jerry Mason
Administrative Officer
Mr. Mason has demonstrated outstanding service to the Andersen Elementary and Middle Schools since school year 2022-23. He has gone the extra mile to provide outstanding support in this very demanding role.
Mr. Larry A. Tulk
Program Analyst
Mr. Tulk provided excellent administrative support to the Europe director for student excellence (DSE) and Europe chief of staff (COS) while simultaneously supporting the members of the Center for Instructional Leadership.
Mr. Robert J. Dean
Administrative Officer
As the administrative officer assigned to both Smith Elementary School and Baumholder Middle High School (at two different installations), Mr. Dean balances not only his own duties but is willing to step in and cover manpower shortages.
Ms. Katherine M. Cole
Administrative Secretary
Ms. Cole was the key employee leading up to the Cognia Accreditation visit in May 2023. Ms. Cole was in weekly communication to effectively coordinate with the Cognia Lead Evaluator on visit logistics and details. She prepared installation access requests for 30 visitors as well as the schedule for the Lead Evaluators and District Superintendent to visit all 31 schools.
Mr. Wilfredo S. Salinas Jr.
Facilities Operations Specialist
Will has been invaluable to the recovery efforts following the damage from Super Typhoon Mawar. His efforts directly ensured the school was ready and enabled the safe and successful Guam High School graduation.
Ms. Robin Jamison
EEO
As the Europe region equal employment specialist, Robin Jamison demonstrated exceptional dedication when she volunteered to take on significant additional work when the EEO Counselor in the Pacific retired the end of December 2022, leaving her as the sole EEO Counselor for two separate geographical areas; her workload instantly increased by 100%.
Mr. Todd King
School Support Assistant
As the school support assistant with Sembach Elementary School, Todd King expertly managed an annual $33,000 school budget, meticulously reviewing and executing 25 government purchase card requirements while meeting strict DoDEA 1st quarter fiscal restraints. He provided supply technician support to Vogelweh Elementary and Kaiserslautern Middle School by purchasing $15,000 in goods, ensuring daily supply and service contracts were fulfilled with zero interruption, including sustainment for multiple Sure Start/PSCD programs due to supply tech manning shortfalls.
Mr. DeAngelo Galang
Fourth Quarter
2022
Pacific East ISS
Congratulations to Mr. DeAngelo Y. Galang on being selected EoQ4 2022! As an ISS for the Pacific Region Office, Mr. Galang has gone beyond his traditional role, serving on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DoWEA leadership team, which oversees the Youth Exchange Program.
Ms. Roberta Scalise
Student Information Assistant
Congratulations to Ms. Roberta C. Scalise on being selected EoQ4 2022! As the OA for Kaiserslautern MS, Ms. Scalise serves as the first person the community interacts with at KMS.
Ms. Ann Hudgins
Third Quarter
2022
Europe East Support Administrative Assistant
Congratulations to Ann Hudgins on being selected EoQ3 2022! As a admin support specialist for Europe East, Ms. Hudgins supports 31 schools with their secretarial and registration needs.
Dr. Shanea Ruh
Third Quarter
2022
Office of the Registrar, Education Policy and Operations Division Student Information System Specialist
Congratulations to Shanea Ruh on being selected EoQ3 2022! Dr. Ruh, A student information systems specialist, is responsible for ensuring that the DoWEA SIS meets customer needs across HQ, regions, districts, and schools.
Mr. Samuel Champlin
Second Quarter
2022
Lead IT Specialist
Congratulations to Samuel D. Champlin on being selected Employee of the Quarter for Q2 2022! As a lead IT Specialist for the Pacific Region, Champlin leads by example, setting the standard for excellent customer support and provides IT expertise to his peers across the IT and Customer Support Services teams.
Ms. Nguyen Xuan Uribe
Second Quarter
2022
Digital and Virtual Learning Division and the System of Professional Learning Program Analyst
Congratulations to Nguyen Xuan Uribe on being selected Employee of the Quarter for Q2 2022! Ms. Uribe is known for her efficiency, positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond expectations.
Mr. Joseph Osmack
Administrative Officer
Congratulations to Joseph Osmack on being selected EoQ1 2022! As Administrative Officer for Camp Lejeune Schools in North Carolina, Mr. Osmack supervises the School Supply Assistant (SSA), School Registrar, School Secretary, and School Office Automation Clerk. He has kept all 3 schools functioning at exceptionally high levels as they all experienced significant transitions and vacancies in key positions.
Mr. Albert Islas
First Quarter
2022
System Wide Security Specialist
Congratulations to Albert Islas on being selected EoQ1 2022! As a system wide Security Specialist based out of Alexandria, VA, Mr. Islas is responsible for working with Region/District leadership to ensure Child Abuse Report files are updated and accurate. He is also responsible for the review and security determination of Serious Incident Reports.
