The Officer Corps gained two exceptional Soldiers from an elite unit that showcases the Army and defends the dignity and honor of fallen comrades.
Former non-commissioned officers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) graduated as Distinguished Military Graduates from Officer Candidate School, Fort Benning, Ga. on April 29.
Second Lt. Matthew Kyle, a member of the U.S. Army Drill Team for over four years, was commissioned as an Ordnance Officer.
"Becoming an officer has truly been a life changing experience and I look forward to the challenges of leading troops in this new role," said Kyle.
Second Lt. John Tilley, a Sentinel (Badge #561) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the past three years, was commissioned as an Infantry Officer and earned Col. Robert B. Nett's award for leadership of his class. This award is the second highest honor bestowed upon a candidate at OCS.
"The position and honor that all Sentinels are so fortunate to have in such a short period of time in our military service really does change our lives," said Tilley.
Old Guard leaders of the former NCOs were ecstatic to see their own Soldiers excel in their transition to the Officer Corps.
"I was delighted to witness the commissioning ceremony of two former Hammer Company Soldiers graduate OCS," said Cpt. Arnaldo I. Ramos Guzman, HHC 4th Battalion Commander. "The military graduate distinction that they both earned is an honor reserved for the top 20 percent of the overall course graduates; focusing on the 'whole person' and requiring them to have excelled in physical fitness, academics and leadership. These achievements speak volumes of the quality of Soldiers that comprise this elite unit."
As NCOs, both have demonstrated the abilities and competencies as a leader for them to shine as officers.
"The Sentinel's Creed says it all; Tilley lives by this daily which not only sets him up for absolute success in his military career but for the rest of his life," said Sgt. First Class Alfred Lanier, Sergeant of the Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
"Since I've been in TOG, Kyle was one of the top NCOs I have ever worked with," said Capt. Ryan Boeka, U.S. Army Drill Team Commander. "He's an excellent addition to the Officer Corps; we need Soldiers just like him."
"Two great, young non-commissioned officers will now take their dedication, commitment to excellence and training abilities to the next level. They have the advantage of taking care of Soldiers and will possess the knowledge of how their decisions as leaders have consequences," said Regimental Command Sgt. Maj. David J. Martel.
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