UNIT NEWS
UNIT NEWS
FORT BLISS BUGLE • March 19, 2015 • 3A
Training is the oil that keeps the
>> engine of our Army running
Unique Army tactical
vehicles integrate for NIE 15.2 n 6A
Two MSBs complete
support mission n 8A
‘Dragoon Ride’ sends
US troops to Europe n 17A
2-43 ADA air defenders compete for
SOLDIER, NCO OF THE QUARTER
Spc. Andrew Szarejko, tactical control assistant,
Btry. C, 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, reads the tasks, conditions and standards of the first aid event during the
Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Board, at Al Udeid
Air Base, Qatar, March 12.
By 1st Lt. Joe Van Valkenburg
Btry. C, 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA
A
Photos by 1st Lt. Joe Van Valkenburg / Btry. C, 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA
Sgt. Mardis O’Neal, senior mechanic, Battery A, 2nd Battalion., 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 11th ADA Brigade, pulls medical supplies from a combat lifesaver bag during the first aid portion of the Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Board, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12.
Spc. Andrew Szarejko, tactical control assistant, Btry. C,
2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, demonstrates his first aid skills during the round-robin portion of the Soldier and NCO of the
Quarter Board, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12.
Spc. Joshua Vasquez, left, automated logistical specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, “Team Strength,” and Sgt. Gerald Nelson, right, motor sergeant, Btry. C, both units
from 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, 11th ADA Bde., receive instruction from Sgt. Jeremy Bergstrom,
center, entry control point noncommissioned officer in charge, Btry. C, 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA,
during the communications portion of the Soldier and NCO of the Quarter competition at Al
Udeid Air Base, Qatar, March 12.
L UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar –
Soldiers and noncommissioned
officers from 2nd Battalion, 43rd
Air Defense Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas, who
are currently deployed to Al Udeid Air Base,
Qatar, and another undisclosed location in the
Arabian Gulf Region, participated in the Battalion Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Competition from March 9 through 13.
The multi-day event brought together the
best Soldiers and NCOs from both locations
to battle it out for the title of Soldier of the
Quarter and for the Noncommissioned Officer
of the Quarter.
The event kicked off with a standard Army
Physical Fitness Test March 9.
The next event in the competition, the
contenders completed a 12-mile ruck march
while wearing all of their gear and lugging a
35-pound ruck sack March 10.
On the third and fourth day, Soldiers were
tested on basic Soldier skills in a round-robin
style. They completed hands-on challenges in
areas such as first aid and communication. The
contenders also took a written exam and completed a 250-word essay on which of the Army
Values was most important and why.
During the final day of the competition,
the sergeants major and first sergeants at each
location held a traditional board where the
participants were questioned about different
Army topics.
Finally, two individuals from 2nd Bn., 43rd
ADA, were chosen as the winners.
Spc. Elias Rodriguez, health care specialist,
Battery B, “Beast Mode,” 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA,
11th ADA Bde., was recognized as the Soldier
of the Quarter.
Staff Sgt. Henry Miles, launcher section
chief, Battery D, “Dynasty,” 2nd Bn., 43rd
ADA, 11th ADA Bde., won the NCO of the
Quarter.
Lt. Col. Robin Woody, commander, 2nd
Bn., 43rd ADA, and Command Sgt. Maj.
Thomas Williams, senior enlisted advisor, 2nd
Bn., 43rd ADA, recognized Miles and Rodriguez for winning their respective titles for the
2nd quarter of Fiscal Year 2015.
“There was great competition from all Soldiers and NCOs that participated in the event,”
said Williams. “All participants should be
proud of their hard work and achievements.”
Woody presented Miles and Rodriguez with
Army Achievement Medals for winning.
FORT BLISS BUGLE • March 19, 2015 • 7A
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FORT BLISS BUGLE • March 19, 2015 • 9A
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