JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq - Sgt. Kellyn L. Furgiuele and Pfc. Christina R. Disano competed here, Feb 20, with eight other candidates from across the 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) earning the titles of the 3d ESC Noncommissioned officer and Soldier of the Quarter.
"It's not about you, you all represent your brigades," said Command Sgt. Maj. Willie C. Tennant Sr., 3d ESC command sergeant major, to the ten candidates after the conclusion of the board. "You represent the best of the best!"
The board was tough and competitive, testing the NCOs and Soldiers on technical and tactical proficiency as well as their general knowledge and Soldier skills.
While there can be only one NCO and Soldier winner, the candidates had to remember Army policies, sing the 3d ESC song, and execute situational scenarios step-by-step during the mystery exam; the latter being the toughest according to the board members.
"All this was an evaluation and a competition," said Tennant. "You all did well, however we can only have one winner," he added
"It's a privilege, a great competition and it was real competitive," said Furgiuele, native of Fresno, Calif. and convoy support center NCO with the 372nd Inland Cargo Transport Company, 371st Sustainment Brigade from Al Asad. "I am honored to be a winner [representing the NCO Corps]."
Furgiuele said he studied every day and went through two weeks of mock boards held by his company and battalion NCOs, and first line leaders.
"If you really want something, put in the effort and time," he said. "Never settle for being an NCO. Always do more and set the example." said Furgiuele.
Like many units across the Army, leaders of the 16th, 287th, 10th, 371st and 304th Subordinate Brigades selected their best Soldiers to represent and compete in the 3d ESC NCO and Soldier of the Quarter board.
For Disano, she said was relieved and surprised to have won the Soldier of the Quarter board. Disano, a native of Brattleboro, Vt., serves as a motor transport operator for the 233rd Transportation Company, 391st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade from Contingency Operating Base Speicher.
Although she said she had plenty of study time during her Soldier of the Month board, she said memorizing the 3d ESC song was her biggest challenge for the Soldier of the Quarter board. She attributes her competition success to fellow Soldier, Spc. Benito Cruz, a former Fort Knox, Ky., Soldier of the Year. He inspired her and developed her military knowledge to succeed in the board.
Disano, a young Soldier, said the next step is going to the promotion board.
"You represented your brigade. You did a super job and [should] be proud to be part of the 3d ESC out in formation," said Tennant. "Be proud of your achievement. You all represented 18,000 Hooahs!"
STORY BY STAFF SGT. TONYA R. GONZALES, 123RD MOBILE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DETACHMENT.
FOR QUERIES, CONTACT 3D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT: ESCPAO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL .
FOR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS AND STORIES BY THE 3D SUSTAINMENT COMMAND, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIGITAL VIDEO AND IMAGERY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM BY CALLING (678) 421-6612 OR ACCESS THEM ON-LINE AT HTTP://WWW.DVIDSHUB.NET/UNITS/3SCE
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