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I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony

By Sgt. Raven JonesNovember 12, 2024

I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL
I Corps Commanding General’s Retention Award Ceremony
7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Career counselors across America's First Corps receive recognition for their outstanding achievement at Carey Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Nov. 5, 2024. I Corps was the first corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Raven Jones) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Raven Jones) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Career counselors of Joint Base Lewis-McChord attended an award ceremony and received recognition for their dedication and effort to maintain successful retention rates across America's First Corps at Carey Theater, Nov. 4, 2024, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane, commanding general of America’s First Corps, and Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh, Command Sgt. Maj. of America’s First Corps, spoke on behalf of the career counselors, and awarded and expressed their gratitude towards the impact the career counselors have within the U.S. Army.

“Today we recognize career counselors for their outstanding hard work each and every day, by providing our Soldiers with the best opportunities to advance and grow within their career,” said McFarlane . “Your contribution is what keeps the Army growing and moving forward, and for that, I thank you.”

Several career counselors received awards for their tremendous retention rates of re-enlisting, and stabilizing Soldiers among their brigades and battalions. Each career counselor was acknowledged for their mentorship and guidance for offering Soldiers their best options for pursuing their career.

Career counselors from 2-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division received awards for obtaining retention excellence, while the 555th Engineer Brigade closed out their annual retention mission at 110%.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jasmin Ladson, a career counselor assigned to 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, accomplished 155% for the fiscal year of 2024, and a retaining mission percentage of 133%.

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Edly Hyppolite, a retention officer assigned to 593rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, received an Army Commendation Medal for being the top I Corps retention officer.

“Being an Army career counselor can be one of the best military occupational specialties. We understand that we serve a great purpose, so do the Soldiers we re-enlist,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jeffrey Dyson, a career counselor assigned to 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade. “The Soldiers that walk into our office create the future of our Army, and providing them with the best options that fit their needs equates to aspects of mission readiness, and the continuation of outstanding Soldiers that create our Army.”

The ceremony included a visit from Sgt. Maj. Danielle Bridges, the U.S. Forces Command’s senior command career counselor. Bridges commended everyone on their commitment to growing the population of the U.S. Army.

“First Corps was the first Corps to close out all assigned retention mission aggregate, with regular Army being 115%”, said Bridges. “I appreciate everyone here for being a phenomenal career counselor, and guiding our Soldiers on a path to benefit their future.”

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