TOBYHANNA ARMY DEPOT, Penn. –
Burnley Employment and Rehab Services named a Tobyhanna Army Depot employee their Community Employee of the Year during an annual black tie dinner and fundraiser.
Kevin Herron prepares military systems for painting by applying masking material to protect areas not being painted. Coworkers say he's skilled at masking small components and larger military assets. He joined Team Tobyhanna in 2004.
For over 15 years, Tobyhanna has partnered with Burnley, a division of Allied Services Integrated Health System to help individuals overcome common misconceptions of working with a disability.
Tobyhanna has contracts with Allied Services/Burnley for a variety of jobs. The depot employs about 60 people who perform custodial and mailing services, as well as mission related support, such as preparing military systems for painting by applying masking material to protect areas not being painted. The only criteria, aside from the standard government background checks, is to be able to perform the duties of the position
Herron started his depot career as a masker. He later transferred to the mail room and recently returned to masking. His resume also includes a short-term assignment, during which he performed duties associated with the demilitarization (DEMIL) of excess or unserviceable Army assets. The process requires personnel to take equipment apart and remove components for reuse, recycling or disposal.
According to his supervisor, Tom Crowley, Herron was nominated for this award based on his exemplary work ethic, teamwork and dedication. Officials also remarked that Herron is able to draw from his years of experience to help train coworkers so they are able to meet mission requirements.
"Kevin loves to work and it shows in his productivity and the quality of his work," Crowley said. "He's always willing to help others and go where ever he is needed. He can do just about every masking job that comes up."
Crowley mentioned that Kevin is also active in his community with singing in choral groups or participating in area parades.
Herron said he loves his job because there is always something new to learn and it's never boring.
"Kevin is a big asset to the team that works in the Support Operations Division," said Joshua Sheckler, chief of the Systems Integration and Support Directorate's Component Preparation Branch. "He is always someone that you can count on to be here and get the mission completed."