Signal Soldiers honored as best in Pacific

By Maj. Avon Cornelius, 311th Signal Command (Theater) Public AffairsAugust 26, 2013

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FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Eight Soldiers from across the Pacific contended for the titles of the 311th Signal Command (Theater) Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year during the annual NCO and Soldier of the Year Competition held here May 2-8.

"The NCO and Soldier of the Year competition challenges organizations and individuals by creating a positive training environment that ultimately test an individual's physical attributes, basic rifle marksmanship, and general military knowledge," said 311th SC(T) Command Sgt. Maj. Travis L. Cherry.

During the four-day competition, the Soldiers participated in physically and mentally demanding events such as land navigation, weapons qualification and a physical fitness test.

After a grueling week of many scored events, the Soldiers took a written examination and attend a board.

"The most important thing that the competitors took away from the overall competition would be self-confidence," Cherry said. "Because the competition encompassed many different tasks and challenges, our Soldiers and NCOs demonstrated self-confidence while performing tasks that removed them from their comfort zone."

Ultimately two Soldiers were chosen to represent the command as the 311th NCO and Soldier of the Year. Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Pfister, assigned to 311th SC(T), Fort Shafter, Hawaii, was named NCO of the Year. Spc. Jonathan Ross, assigned to 1st Signal Brigade, Yongsan, Republic of Korea, was named Soldier of the Year.

"It's a great honor to have been selected for this award from the 311th Signal Command," said Pfister. "I look forward to representing the 311th at future competitions."

Both Pfister and Ross will represent 311th at the United States Army Network Enterprise Technology Command Warrior Challenge Competition in June.

The Army Best Warrior Competition started in 2002 and has been called the "Super Bowl" of Army competitions.

Related Links:

1st Signal Brigade

516th Signal Brigade

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