INSCOM special recognition ceremony for 16 Soldiers

By Sgt. Jeff StorrierFebruary 8, 2017

INSCOM special recognition ceremony for 16 Soldiers
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Pvt. Alexander Garcia (right), U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, stands with his peers at parade rest while awaiting promotion at the Nolan building, Fort Belvoir, Virginia Feb. 1. (U.S. Army Photo by... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
INSCOM special recognition ceremony
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
INSCOM recognition ceremony
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Dayron Vargas (left), U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, commends INSCOM G-1 Sgt. Maj. Peter Robles for outstanding achievement during a ceremony at the Nolan Building, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, Feb 1. (U.S. Army Photo by Ta... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
INSCOM recognition ceremony
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1st. Lt. Matthew Coble, executive officer, U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, speaks to the audience after receiving a farewell plaque during a ceremony at the Nolan Building, Feb 1. (U.S. Army Photo b... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia. -- The U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command's (INSCOM) Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) recognized 16 Soldiers during a special recognition ceremony at the Nolan Building, Feb. 2.

Receiving promotions were specialists Caleb Stuart and Noel Williams to the rank of corporal, privates first class Yarivette Casella and Allison Riddle to the rank of specialist, privates second class; Zachary Grasee, David Linares and Stephanie Roman to the rank of private first class, and private Alexander Garcia to the rank of private second class.

The promotion ceremony was unique because five out of the eight Soldiers promoted were issued waivers to be promoted more quickly than their peers based on their accomplishments.

"They do selfless work every day," said HHC 1st Sgt. Peter J. Novak. "Today is their day to be recognized and to let them know that their work really matters."

Also recognized during the ceremony with Certificates of Achievement for their outstanding contributions that made INSCOM's holiday celebration and tree lighting event a success were Sgt. Savannah Mills, Pfc. Timothy Walsh, Pfc. Austin McCoy, Spc. Allison Riddle and Spc. Yarivette Casella.

Additional recognition was given to the outgoing HHC executive officer and INSCOM G-1 Sergeant Major.

1st Lt. Matthew Coble was presented with a commemorative plaque thanking him for his time serving as HHC's executive officer. Coble isn't heading far, his next assignment will be the Army Geospatial Intelligence Battalion here.

"I couldn't have asked for a better first duty station as an officer," Coble said, as he accepted the plaque.

Sgt. Maj. Peter Robles was honored for an informative essay he wrote about the impact of higher education in the non-commissioned officer corps.

A special presentation was presented to a retiring HHC Soldier who was in attendance unaware of the surprise award.

While on terminal leave and awaiting retirement, Staff Sgt. Michael Hernandez attended to help promote Linares, his orderly room clerk, to the rank of specialist, as part of the ceremony. He was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his outstanding achievements.

"I wasn't expecting this," Hernandez said. "I will miss my HHC family, it's been a blast."