YONGSAN GARRISON, South Korea (Dec. 5, 2014) -- Seven commissioned officers and three warrant officers from Eighth Army units around the Korean peninsula converged at Yongsan Garrison, South Korea Dec. 5 vying to be selected as the 2014 Eighth Army General Douglas MacArthur Leadership award winners.
Standing tall at the end of the night were, Kingwood, Texas native, Capt. Alexander G. Mullin, from the 1st Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Regiment, 210th Field Artillery Brigade and Warrant Officer Scedric A. Moss, from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 65th Medical Brigade who originally hails from Baltimore, Md.
Established in 1986, the MacArthur awards are presented annually to company-grade commissioned officers and warrant officers who display the values of duty, honor, and country promoted by Gen. Douglas MacArthur, former General of the Army and Commander-in-Chief, United Nations Command during the Korean War.
Speaking to family and friends in attendance, Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, the Eighth Army commanding general, said the recipients truly epitomize what MacArthur represented.
"They are multi-dimensional, multi-talented, professional Army officers who lead by example and strongly encourage Soldiers to embrace the Warrior Ethos," said Champoux. "Their leadership skills contribute immeasurably to the success of their commands, Eighth Army, U.S. Forces Korea and America's Army."
Each of this year's nominees exemplified duty, honor and country, so it was difficult for the panel of judges to choose just two awardees to go on to represent Eighth Army later this month at the U.S. Army Pacific Command-level MacArthur Leadership Awards competition.
"Every single individual that competed here tonight was worthy of this award," said Champoux. "Although only two of these officers can represent Eighth Army in the U.S. Army Pacific Command competition, each one of them has successfully led Soldiers, accomplished our important mission here, set the example for others to follow…and they have earned their place in this prestigious competition."
Both awardees were honored to be selected as this year's Eighth Army representatives and attributed much of their success to the passion and dedication of their Soldiers.
"It's really a reflection of all the hard work of my Soldiers, all the training that we have done, and the time that we spent together," said Mullin.
Moss echoed Mullin's sentiments and added that the opportunity to lead Soldiers has truly been a humbling experience.
"I am extremely humbled to be a servant leader," said Moss. "This award was just a testament to the dedication of my Soldiers."
Before the award ceremony closed for the night, Champoux congratulated all of this year's nominees and encouraged them to continue to build on their current success.
"Each of you has reason to be proud for representing the very best that we have in Eighth Army," said Champoux, "and I challenge you to keep striving for success and to lead by example everyday just like General MacArthur did."
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