Command lauds NCO, Civilian Outstanding Performer of 2002.

In the day-to-day worldwide operations of the Military Traffic Management Command, personnel take care of business, giving no thought to special recognition for job performance.

Each year, however, MTMC seeks to honor individuals who "go the extra mile" to ensure the command continues to provide global surface distribution management and services to meet National Security Objectives.

Two examples of such individuals are Sgt. Gregory Koskey and Osman Irim, MTMC's Non-commissioned Officer and Civilian Outstanding Performer of the Year for 2002.

Non-commissioned Officer of the year

Sgt. Gregory Koskey, now serving at the Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion, was the 838th Transportation Battalion's training NCO, property book/supply NCO, unit drug and alcohol prevention leader and customs clearance officer. He chose the word "challenging" to describe his three-year tour with MTMC.

"We managed the transportation of military sea-going cargo in several ports throughout the Netherlands, Germany, England, Belgium and Norway. We also handled transportation of military cargo by barge on the inland European waterways," Koskey said.

The 838th commander, Lt. Col. Sharon Baker, believes all commanders want their soldiers to possess Koskey's attributes.

"Although our military population was small, I knew my battalion's nomination would be Koskey," Baker said. "He is an outstanding Non-commissioned Officer and a great American. He possesses the skills, attributes and attitude that every commander wants their soldiers to have," she added.

The criteria for NCO of the Year require soldiers to be the rank of Sgt. through Sgt. First Class, without pending or adverse actions during the past year. The individual must meet height and weight requirements and pass the Army Physical Fitness Test. Additionally, the Group Sgt. Maj. must nominate the NCO for the award.

Koskey competed with two other Junior NCOs during a three-day event at Fort Eustis, Va., last summer. The panel of command sergeants major and sergeants major from several MTMC locations queried the nominees on military subjects and programs in 30 categories. Each soldier took a 25-question exam, a hands-on Common Task Performance Test and went through day and night land navigation.

"We are proud of the hard work and dedication Koskey put forth to win the competition," Baker said.

Finally, the nominees responded to 60 questions on leadership, counseling, current events, battle focus training, proper wear and appearance of the uniform and other topics.

"I am very proud to be MTMC's NCO of the Year," Koskey said. "It was a great experience. I learned a lot while preparing for the board and during the competition."

The future looks bright for the 29-year-old Hanover, Pa., resident, now an Army recruiter, who aspires to exceed the Army's recruiting goals and earn the gold recruiter's badge and ring.

"It was difficult to lose Koskey. He was an invaluable asset with great potential. I'm certain he will continue to excel in the Army," Baker said.

Koskey's long-term goal is to become a command sergeant major and to earn a bachelor's degree before retiring from the military.

Meanwhile, in addition to spending time with Magda, his wife of seven years, and their two daughters, Paola and Estefany, Koskey enjoys doing home improvements, exercising and working on computers.

Civilian Outstanding Performer or the Year

An Izmir, Turkey, native who serves as a marine cargo specialist and Integrated Computerized Deployment System, or ICODES, stow planner has captured the 2002 Civilian Outstanding Performer of the Year award.

Forty-two-year-old Osman Irim along with 11 local nationals, three Department of the Army civilians, four officers and three non-commissioned officers serve at the 840th Transportation Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Dale Wronko. The team manages seaports throughout Turkey and 15 surrounding countries.

"I've been with MTMC since 1988. My challenge is dealing with Turkish local civilian and military authorities during customs clearance of Department of Defense cargo and vessel operations," Irim said.

Irim believes career development is important. He's taken courses in Hazardous Material, Military Standards Transportation and Movements Procedures and the Worldwide Port System end-user training. He also studied ship loading and stowage, budget execution and other career-enhancing subjects.

"I enjoy discovering new business techniques in my career field. And it's always fun to meet new people and to travel," Irim said.

A positive attitude is in keeping with the spirit of the performer of the year award. Candidates also must be either a GS-12 or lower grade, an equivalent grade under the Federal Wage System or a foreign national employee. The award justification must explain the nominee's achievements and special acts in customer service, cost savings/cost avoidance and the impact on the command.

The winner receives the Commander's Award for Civilian Service, a lapel pin and the MTMC plaque. The awardee also is given an opportunity for an on-the-job developmental assignment, or one that requires temporary duty to MTMC Headquarters or a field office.

"I was surprised to hear that I'd won the award, but it's great to receive recognition for the work you do," Irim said. "My goal is to attend new classes and to deploy to various countries. I think the intern program would be a great way to enhance my career development. I'm very happy now, but I can handle more responsibilities."

In addition to professional development, Irim enjoys spending time with his wife, Emine, and his 17-year-old son, Burak, and 12-year-old daughter, Buse.

Corenthia Libby

Public Affairs Specialist

MTMC, Alexandria