Currahee awarded commendation medal

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky-- The 4th Brigade Combat Team "Currahees", 101st Airborne Division, awarded the Army Commendation Medal to the Soldier and non-commissioned officer of the quarter, April 23, 2013, in front of the Currahee Memorial at Fort Campbell, Ky.

The competition took place April 15 to 16, and the participants were tested on a variety of events.

The first day consisted of an Army Physical Fitness Test, an assigned weapon qualification, a four-mile foot march, a timed weapon assembly and two written exams.

The last day, the participants had to interview with a panel of sergeants major. The panel tested the participants' military knowledge on the following topics: military wear and appearance, Army programs, customs and courtesies, leadership and other various military related subjects.

U.S. Army Spc. Dustin Hubbard, the winning Soldier, a combat engineer with Company A, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th BCT, 101 Abn. Div., shared his thoughts on his achievement.

"I feel that it's an honor, I've been to a few boards and finally got the chance to compete at this level, so I'm very happy that I won," stated Hubbard. "As a team leader I definitely would want to see my Soldiers go forward and compete [in a board], so hopefully they will do that down range."

When asked why Spc. Hubbard was chosen to represent their battalion, his squad leader referenced his work performance and reliability.

"It's a great achievement not only for himself, but for our company and the battalion," said Sgt. Jacob Schroeder, squad leader for 2nd platoon, Co. A, 4th BSTB.

"It makes myself look good. It makes our platoon sergeant look good. It makes first sergeant look good. It makes sergeant major look good for sending him [to represent the battalion]."

In order to win the Soldier/NCO of the Quarter competition, participants must have a good working knowledge of the Army in general, not just their military occupational specialty.

"It challenges to you to know other aspects of the Army, not just infantry," said the winning NCO of the quarter, Staff Sgt. James Smith, a section leader with Company D "Dealer", 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div. "We strive to be good at our job, but to win you have to learn other parts of being a leader in Army."

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Grinston, the command sergeant major of 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div., sees the board competitions as way for Soldiers to gain confidence and to develop communication skills necessary for career progression.

"These boards not only makes the Soldiers better because it forces them to study doctrine, it builds their confidence by teaching them how to talk to senior members of the military," Grinston said. "This could be helpful not just in the military but after the military when going for job interviews."

In addition to receiving the award, the winners also received a gift bag with various Currahee souvenirs donated by the 506th Infantry Regiment Association.