FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Nine career counselors representing units from across the U.S. Army Forces Command came to Fort Bragg, N.C., for the FORSCOM Career Counselor of the Year competition, Jan. 29-31.
The event tested each competitor's knowledge with board interviews, a written exam and an informative essay, as well as their physical fitness with an early morning Army Physical Fitness Test.
"I'm proud of what each and every one of you do every day," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Grinston, FORSCOM command sergeant major, as he spoke to the group at the awards ceremony at the end of the competition. "You have a hard mission. I truly believe the Army is the best place to be and that we have a lot of great things to offer. You have to understand what folks want to do, and that's your job. It's not an easy one and I really appreciate what you do to help our Soldiers."
Sgt. 1st Class Justin Sweat, 82nd Airborne Division, who received the highest score on the essay and the board appearance, was recognized as the FORSCOM Active Component Career Counselor of the Year. Sgt. 1st Class Eric Ramos, XVIII Airborne Corps, had the highest score on the APFT and was named the FORSCOM Reserve Component Career Counselor of the Year.
Staff Sgt. Juan Sanchez, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, had the highest score on the written exam.
Sweat and Ramos will go on to represent FORSCOM at the U.S. Army Career Counselor competition later this year. They both said that is an honor to represent their units and the command at the next level.
"A lot of hard work goes into preparing for the competition and your physical and mental toughness is challenged throughout," said Ramos. "Being recognized for our efforts is humbling and moving forward it is important to live up to the expectations that the title brings. I know I need to keep getting better and increase my knowledge every day."
Sweat said that he will continue working hard and that he is proud of the opportunity to represent the 82nd Airborne Division and FORSCOM.
"This is a huge honor," said Sweat. "It really means a lot to me to be able to move forward and represent my fellow Soldiers."
Grinston presented retention excellence awards to I Corps, 20th CBRNE, 32nd AAMDC and the Joint Readiness Training Center for the Fiscal Year 2018 Cohort Mission. He also presented retention awards to FORSCOM's top producing active and Reserve component corps, divisions and direct reporting units. Receiving awards for best retention rates for the active component were: XVIII Airborne Corps, 101st Airborne Division and 20th CBRNE. Receiving awards for best retention rates for the Reserve component were: I Corps, 4th Infantry Division and 20th CBRNE.
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