ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Master Sgt. Sophia Bulham represented U.S. Army Sustainment Command in Washington, D.C. for the 2014 Department of Defense Enlisted Aide Competition, November 17-19. The top enlisted aide from each branch of service competed in the event.
Bulham was urged by Maj. Gen. Kevin O'Connell, commanding general, ASC, to submit her packet for the competition. Within two weeks, Bulham was notified she had been selected to compete at the DoD level. The competition included an extensive written exam and military-type board in front of a panel of retirees.
"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity," Bulham said. "You meet new people, learn new things, and make important contacts."
Bulham, a native of Saginaw, Michigan, has 21 years of service. As an enlisted aide to the commanding general of ASC, she is responsible for tending to small details and daily tasks like cooking, maintaining uniforms, planning and execution of official military events, and managing the household, allowing the general to afford maximum focus on his job as commander.
"I'm a Soldier first, and am dedicated to every boss I work for," she said. "Each boss has something new and different to offer."
Bulham places emphasis on the importance of overall Army knowledge when acting as an enlisted aide.
"You have to do all the Army stuff," she said. "You have to know those things in order to function successfully as an aide. The field is always evolving, as well. If I have to be a platoon sergeant tomorrow, it's ok because I've experienced that in my career."
Although Bulham did not win the competition, she feels the opportunity and experience made each competitor a winner.
"We are a group that made a difference," she said. "We all forged a friendship that will last a lifetime."
Asked about her experience working for ASC's commanding general, Bulham said, "This is a special job. General O'Connell is attentive to everything. He made an effort to know about my life and my family. We work as a team"
The winner of this year's competition is Petty Officer 1st Class Samuel Paone, District 17, U.S. Coast Guard.
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