HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Sgt. Jason Boatwright can now add two new titles to his resume after being named both the Installation Management Command and National Capital Region Soldier of the Year.
This humble Heidelberg garrison chaplain assistant has earned the chance to compete in the Department of the Army "Warrior Challenge" competition at Fort Lee, Va., Sept. 28 - Oct. 2.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be considered the IMCOM Soldier of the Year, and I know that it comes with great expectations of me," said Boatwright, who was promoted June 1.
"I believe winning the Soldier of the Year title is the beginning, and now the real work begins by representing my unit, family and IMCOM ensuring that I hold myself to the standard set before me by my own leadership.
"I have been fortunate to experience opportunities that come once in a lifetime, and I feel that it is my obligation to train and prepare as never before, and one day provide other Soldiers guidance on these competitions."
The community is not surprised by Boatwright's accomplishments, according to USAG Baden-WAfA1/4rttemberg Command Sgt. Maj. Annette Weber. "Sgt. Boatwright is a dedicated warrior who lives the Army Values," she said. "He is the epitome of what you want in all enlisted Soldiers entering our ranks. He always gives 100 percent in every task. He embodies the warrior ethos and is definitely an outstanding leader who motivates others just by his presence."
While Boatwright motivates others, his family is busy supporting and motivating him. He and his wife of 11 years have two children, ages 10 and 15 months.
"My wife has been the greatest support for me," he said. "Not only for my career, but also throughout my life she has been there and gives me advice on board answers, rucking with me to prepare for these boards, and any advice that I might have needed."
Boatwright was able to train with two noncommissioned officers from Stuttgart in preparation for the IMCOM competition. Staff Sgt. Edmond Whipple, who competed at the IMCOM level last year, spent several days a week working with Boatwright and Staff Sgt. Ronald White, this year's IMCOM-Europe representative for NCO of the Year, to ensure they were ready for the intense competition.
Judging by the results, the training was top notch. In addition to Boatwright's success, White claimed victory in the NCO of the Year competition and was named runner-up for the National Capital Region to compete in the Army competition as the district's alternate if the first place winner is unable to do so.
With support from his local leaders, Boatwright will begin training soon for the next step at next month's Army-level competition.
"I will continue to provide purpose, motivation, direction," Weber said. "We will ensure that he receives every opportunity to hone in on skills already acquired and fine tune all warrior leader task and drills. I won't give further details about our training plan because our competition may be listening."
(Editor's Note: Kelli Bland edits the USAG Baden-WAfA1/4rttemberg newspaper, the Herald Post.)
Social Sharing