Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- One civilian and seven service members were honored Feb. 3 at the 2016 Annual Installation Awards Banquet at Thunder Mountain Activity Centre.
"I want to tell a little story about each one and who they are, why they joined the military and why they are doing what they are doing," said guest speaker Maj. Gen. Scott Berrier, commanding general, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, before presenting the awards to the recipients.
Civilian of the Year was awarded to Philip Noble, U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command. Berrier said Noble was to be commended for his time and service as a warrant officer with Signal Corps before transitioning to an Army civilian and "you are looking at the man that is our Army's CAC expert." Berrier then joked about how many guns Noble owned, highlighting one of Noble's hobbies, and complimented him for his service and award.
Marine of the Year was awarded to Sgt. Leslie Nealey, Fort Huachuca Marine Corps Detachment.
"Sgt. Nealey maintains excellent rapport and relationships with his students and all his junior Marines are inspired by him," Berrier said reading the supervisor's nomination. "They know he has complete respect and confidence in them. Contributes immensely to his unit."
Berrier told a story about a surprise birthday party Nealey's unit had thrown for him and that he was a basketball enthusiast, among other things.
Sailor of the Year was awarded to ET2 Tyler Glab, Joint Interoperability Test Command. About Glab, Berrier said "his supervisor thinks that he's an extremely competent young man and sailor. A strong leader, energetic and a true asset for the team."
Berrier mentioned that Glab speaks fluent Spanish and was a "diehard" Dodgers fan.
Airman of the Year was awarded to Master Sgt. Nigel Steakley, Joint Interoperability Test Command. Steakley was unable to attend but another Airman from his organization accepted the award on his behalf. Berrier said Steakley's supervisor called him "an outstanding NCO who always leads by example. He's a natural problem solver and dives head first into whatever he takes on. And his persona has contributed greatly to JITC."
Soldier of the Year was awarded to Sgt. Robert Cobb, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence. Berrier said he was an "extremely hard worker. He never quits. He meets short suspenses, and he's a team player, and he always want to excel."
Berrier highlighted Cobb's obsession for tacos and travel and congratulated him on his recent marriage in December.
NCO of the Year was awarded to Staff Sgt. Kyle Wu, Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Berrier said his supervisor's comments about Wu stated he was an "extremely strong NCO leader. He's the only 35 Tango green suit instructor. He's humble, he's a team player, he's engaged and he cares."
Berrier told a story about how Wu and a friend got lost hiking and how Wu was the one that found their way out, leading to the end of the friendship.
Advance Individual Training Platoon Sergeant of the Year was awarded to Staff Sgt. Jacob Meyers, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion. Berrier said Meyers was a "well-rounded Soldier and very competent and volunteers constantly within the local community."
Meyer's daughter is adopted from China and her leg was amputated when she was younger. In spite of that, she runs a 5K under 26 minutes. Berrier said that Meyers said that "he doesn't have to show up his Soldiers because he lets his 10-year-old daughter do that."
Instructor of the Year was awarded to Staff Sgt. Craig McInnes, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion. Berrier said McInnes "is constantly challenging his students, and they love him for it. He also developed local training aids to help Soldiers. He always remain calm and professional and not afraid to ask questions."
Berrier relayed a story about McInnes and an episode where he accidently sprayed himself with bear mace in Alaska.
Along with the eight individual awards, Berrier and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Latter, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, presented five unit retention awards to the Military Intelligence Corps Band, 18th Military Police Detachment, Noncommissioned Officers Academy, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence for meeting 100 percent or more of their fiscal retention objectives.
Along with the accolades, awardees received gift bags donated by over 30 local supporters.
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