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Stand out patriots compete for unit honors

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Todd Lamonica
  • 174th Infantry Brigade Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Soldiers from each of the battalions of the 174th Infantry Brigade competed in the brigade's Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year boards March 5 through 7.

The participants were varied in their skill sets, each one bringing, different expertise to the table. The events ranged from an early morning 5.2 mile road march in full battle rattle to an evening six-minute single elimination combatives match.

The dozen or so Soldiers were challenged over the course of two days and after a lengthy deliberation, two were named the brigade's best.

Soldiers were not only tested physically; they were tested on their book smarts and knowledge of warrior tasks and Army core questions. These questions included were some of the topics used in a formal board appearance, staffed by some of the 174th's brightest leaders. The competitors arrived in dress blues and stood before three Army command sergeants majors, one Army sergeant major, one Army first sergeant and an Army master sergeant. A formal board at the battalion command level is what qualified most participants for the brigade event.

"The board was very tough and required a lot of preparation," said Army Staff Sgt. Uka Uragil, from 2nd Battalion, 312th Regiment.

While the event was dominated by mostly male Soldiers, one female Soldier tested her skills at the various tasks and earned the right to be among some of the best Soldiers in the 174th Infantry Brigade's NCO of the year competition. Army Staff Sgt. Monique Plaza, from 3rd Battalion, 312th Regiment was that woman. How fitting - this month honors women in the military.

"I don't feel any pressure about being the only female here, I have come accustomed to it during these events," said Plaza. "I like challenging myself."

Her completion of this competition is a testament to her character. Plaza is an example to other females in the military, showing how determination and tenacity go a long way. She has set the bar for others to follow.

Many of the participants were veterans of past boards. One such Soldier was Army Sgt. Chris Avgerinous, 1st Battalion, 309th Regiment.

"I am doing alright so far, although I am a lot older than the other participants; I'm holding my own," Avgerinous said with a smile. "You never know how well you can do unless you push yourself harder."

That's just what the winners did. Although Army Spc. Miles Noonan, of 2nd Battalion, 310th Regiment the winner of the 174th Infantry Brigade Soldier of the Year competition, was a first-time participant, he doesn't normally seek out competitive boards, but decided this year to give it a shot.

"If you take all the knowledge you have as a Soldier and use that as your study guide, you will be prepared for this competition," said Noonan.

Noonan's next step is to compete in the 1st Army East Soldier of the year competition later this month at Camp Shelby, Miss.

After an initial tally and a subsequent re-tally this year's 2011 NCO of the Year top honors were also awarded to a first-time competitor. Army Sgt. David Braska of 2nd Battalion, 309th Regiment took home the gold. He too mentioned he was hesitant to represent the battalion and felt his performances were better than he expected. He didn't realize his effort was enough to be considered the overall best.

"We are talking about a difference of one point between the winner and the second place contestant," explained Command Sgt. Major Joe Zanders, 174th Infantry Brigade command sergeant major. "The strengths amongst the participants were evident in the scoring."

It was the Soldier that did well in all events that ultimately won.

"We weren't looking for peaks and valleys in scoring, we wanted someone who did well across the board," said Zanders.

There were no losers here; everyone learned what it takes to excel. All the participants were recognized during an awards ceremony Friday, Mar. 14 where the First Army East commanding general, Maj. Gen. Kevin Wendel and First Army Command Sergeant Major Jesse Andrews were honored guests.

"It's a tough and honorable position to be in and I'm looking forward to awarding the winner of the division competition, best of luck to you," expressed Wendel as he asked those present to congratulate the winners.