Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Servicemember as Warfighter of the Quarter Members News April 2, 2024 Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) recently had the privilege of honoring another distinguished servicemember with the Warfighter of the Quarter award. The Warfighter of the Quarter award acknowledges the relationship between employees at TYAD and the servicemembers who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation, living lives consistent with the Army core values, and being good stewards of their communities. The honoree for the 4th quarter of 2023 is Sgt. 1st Class Albert J. Avila, who received the distinction during a midgame ceremony at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Military Appreciation Night hockey game. As part of the Penguins’ salute to our nation’s heroes, members of Team Tobyhanna displayed a military vehicle and shared information about TYAD’s mission with game attendees. Additionally, Sgt. 1st Class Avila performed a ceremonial puck drop to start the game and Janet Warnick of TYAD’s Installation Services directorate provided a rendition of “God Bless America.” Currently, Sgt. 1st Class Avila is assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He is the recipient of seven Army Achievement Medals, two Army Commendations, and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. TYAD Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Riggs joined Depot Commander Col. James L. Crocker in presenting the latest Warfighter of the Quarter award. Sgt. Maj. Riggs highlighted the significance of the honor and emphasized the respect he has for Sgt. 1st Class Avila and his work. “The Warfighter of the Quarter award provides TYAD an opportunity to recognize servicemembers who are doing good work. It allows for engagement with the local community and the military community in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Sgt. Maj. Riggs. “This gives us an opportunity to reward Sgt. 1st Class Avila’s example of dedication to duty and work for the community that might otherwise go unnoticed.” Sgt. 1st Class Avila said receiving the award was a tremendous privilege that made him proud of his commitment to the Armed Forces. “Receiving the TYAD Warfighter of the Quarter Award is an immense honor, deeply affirming my commitment to the United States Army Reserve and my role as an Army Recruiter,” said Sgt. 1st Class Avila. “It’s incredibly gratifying to be recognized for successfully assisting others in achieving their goals, as my work brings me great satisfaction in knowing I’m making a difference in their lives.” While assigned to the Scranton Army Recruiting Station as an Army Ambassador, Sgt. 1st Class Avila distinguished himself by displaying professionalism and dedication to duty, keeping with the finest traditions of military service. Some specific achievements include his orchestration of seven Future Soldier promotions for members of the Delayed Entry Program (a program designed to accommodate new enlistees into the United States Armed Forces before shipping out to basic training), his development and implementation of a transformative weight loss program that assisted civilians in meeting Army physical requirements, and providing education for seven high school guidance counselor offices on the March2Success program, an online program that helps individuals reach their civilian or Army educational goals. 1st Lt. Thomas Gascoigne works alongside Sgt. 1st Class Avila at the Scranton Army Recruiting Station. He said his impact has gone further than just the organization. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila goes above and beyond the normal scope of duties that recruiters perform,” said 1st Lt. Gascoigne. “Sgt. 1st Class Avila is not only an asset to our organization, but he is an asset to his community as well.” The Warfighter of the Quarter award and other employee recognition programs align with Tobyhanna’s long-range strategic plan, TOBY2035 – specifically the Connecting with the Community line of effort. The goal of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s plan is to strive to position Tobyhanna for success in the coming years as the Department of Defense’s premier worldwide C5ISR readiness provider.
