Tobyhanna Soldier Recognized as Latest Warfighter of the Quarter

One highly dedicated soldier from Northeastern Pennsylvania was honored on Saturday, November 11, as they were formally recognized as Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) latest Warfighter of the Quarter.

Staff Sgt. Christopher E. Dougal, who was awarded the honor for the 3rd Quarter of 2023, received the distinction during the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Veterans Day game. This award recognizes the relationship between employees at TYAD and the warfighters who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving our nation, live a life consistent with the Army core values, and are good stewards of their communities.

Staff Sgt. Dougal’s career of service spans 10 years and includes a deployment to Poland in 2019. He is the recipient of four Army Achievement Awards.

Staff Sgt. Dougal said it was a great honor to receive the recognition and will continue to strive in support of the people he works with.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as Warfighter of the Quarter,” said Staff Sgt. Dougal. “I appreciate the accolade from my colleagues and will continue to stive to uphold the Core Values of the Army. Be All You Can Be.”

Staff Sgt. Dougal has been an instrumental asset to the TYAD and the success of the Personnel Force Innovation (PFI) Program. He works collaboratively with the organization’s Resource Management directorate to develop inventive ways to improve the program while simultaneously supporting members of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and Army Reserve by seeking PFI hiring opportunities.

Staff Sgt. Dougal also works closely with TYAD’s Information Technology department, ensuring proper compliance of the Emergency Operations Center computers. Through their teamwork, a new process was established that allowed for greater flexibly in maintaining their machines.

Staff Sgt. Steven Carlew works closely with Staff Sgt. Dougal. He said that his work ethic and dedication to TYAD’s mission is tremendously admirable.

“Staff Sgt. Christopher Dougal has been a tremendous asset to Tobyhanna Army Depot by going above and beyond his normal duties to work with civilian employees, teaching and coaching them through military processes that were unknown to the civilian workforce. He was able to be reached around the clock if needed for questions or help with assignment that was pushed their way,” said Staff Sgt. Carlew. “His selfless dedication and knowledge of the military was key to assisting with improving the PFI program by seeing discrepancies and formulating a plan to fix the issues at a moment’s notice.”

In addition to his work on the mission side of TYAD, Staff Sgt. Dougal ensures he is no stranger to employees at TYAD and the surrounding community. He volunteers at “Touch a Truck” events allowing local elementary school students the ability to ask questions about the military and climb through military vehicles and also coordinates Color Guard details for various ceremonies and events within the organization and throughout the community.

Staff Sgt. Dougal is preparing to make his exit from TYAD as he pursues the next chapter of his Army career. Lead Management Analyst Lisa Wesneski said he was a tremendous addition to Team Tobyhanna and will be missed.

“It was truly my pleasure to work and learn from Staff Sgt. Dougal. He always took the time to help civilians understand the requirements of our Soldiers at Tobyhanna Army Depot,” said Wesneski. “Staff Sgt. Dougal is a behind the scenes Soldier as he does not look for recognition for all that he does; he just wants to ensure things are done correctly. He will be missed!”

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.