FORT SILL, Okla. -- Fort Sill has two new competitors for Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Spc. Hans Halverson, C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery and Staff Sgt. Michael Melnyk, F Battery, 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery who recently won the quarterly title in their respective categories.
They are fresh from competition and they are ready for the next level. They were recognized for their achievement Dec. 4 at a luncheon at the Patriot Club.
"It's a great step. It recognizes excellence. It shows that you are willing to compete and win with the best. You really do exemplify what our chief of staff of Army says: 'The strength of our nation is our Army; the strength of our Army is our Soldiers; and the strength of our Soldier are our families,' and that's what makes us Army strong and you are Army strong," said Maj. Gen. Mark McDonald, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general.
When asked why so many drill sergeants win these competitions Melnyk said it's because they train Soldiers from the ground up so they are subject matter experts. He added that no matter what profession a Soldier holds, every one should have that same level of expertise.
"I studied hard. My wife helped me a lot and my other drill sergeants helped me a lot. My battle buddies set the right example and showed me what to do," said Melnyk.
Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Aaron, 214th Fires Brigade CSM, said this competition is the training ground for showcasing those who are truly dedicated to being a Soldier.
"What does it take to be considered the Army's best? What must a Soldier achieve to be recognized as a cut above the rest? It's simple. Soldier and NCO of the Quarter. This competition brings together Soldiers and noncommissioned officers around the installation to test their knowledge," said Aaron.
Competitors tested their physical and mental limits and in the end a board chose the two who best exemplified the characteristics of competence and military bearing.
"I will tell you it's a win-win because as they prepare themselves they make themselves better Soldiers and better noncommissioned officers. This is part of our Army profession," said Aaron.
Although the competition showcases the individual, Halverson said it was his unit that helped him reach this level.
"I had multiple sponsors, multiple people behind me everyday just drilling me and helping me study. A lot of it was because of my chain of command, ultimately it was me, but they helped me a lot and helped me succeed and get where I'm at today. I'm going to keep going."
"More than ever we need examples like you. You will be looked up to by all of your peers, all of your seniors and your subordinates. We're proud of you. Your hard work shows and it's very evident that it pays off and it does not go unnoticed," said McDonald.
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