Signal soldier honored at Armed Forces Week luncheon

By Mr. Scott Andreae (SMDC/ARSTRAT)May 20, 2014

Spc. Rakia Canty receives memento from Gen. Charles Jacoby
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Rakia Canty, a nominee for the Colorado Springs Outstanding Enlisted award, receives a memento recognizing her achievement from Gen. Charles Jacoby, commander of North American Air Defense Command/U.S. Northern Command, May 13 at the Armed Force... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Spc. Rakia Canty and Pvt. Kamila Degros at Armed Forces Week luncheon in Colorado Springs
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Rakia Canty, a nominee for the Colorado Springs Outstanding Enlisted award, and Pvt. Kamila Degros share a smile at the Armed Forces Week luncheon May 13 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Soldiers are members of the 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Spa... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A Soldier from the 1st Space Brigade was one of the nominees for the 2014 Outstanding Enlisted award presented May 13 at the Armed Forces Week luncheon in Colorado Springs.

Spc. Rakia Canty was one of 11 military personnel recognized at the luncheon. She is a chaplain's assistant with the 53rd Signal Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command.

The annual award program encompasses nominees in three groups according to pay grade. Canty competed in the category for junior enlisted personnel (E-1 through E-4). The award program honors U.S. and Canadian personnel assigned to Colorado Springs-area commands and installations and recognizes their achievements in military and community service.

Canty joined the 1st Space Brigade in December 2013. She has been a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Clubs since the age of 15 and has assisted Habitat for Humanity for victims of Hurricane Katrina; co-taught land navigation to the Junior ROTC program at a school in Colorado Springs; and represents the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers and Family Readiness Group programs for her company in the 53rd Signal Battalion.

The Military Affairs Council of the Colorado Springs Regional Business Alliance conducts the award program. Nominees appeared before a panel of judges to answer questions on military affairs, community involvement, current affairs and leadership.

The final winner for the E-1 to E-4 category was from Fort Carson; for the E-5 to E-6 category, from North American Air Defense Command/U.S. Northern Command; and for the E-7 to E-8 category, from Schriever Air Force Base.

Related Links:

Armed Forces Week luncheon Flickr photo set

USASMDC/ARSTRAT website

1st Space Brigade Facebook page

SMDC/ARSTRAT Facebook page