FORT LIBERTY, N.C. — Career counselors and retention NCOs representing units from across the XVIII Airborne Corps participated in the 2025 Career Counselor of the Year and Retention NCO of the Year competitions hosted by XVIII Airborne Corps on Fort Liberty, N.C., Dec. 9-13, 2024. Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division, 82nd Airborne Division, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division, and other units from XVIII Airborne Corps participated in this year’s event, showcasing their skills and dedication to their craft.
Participants competed for the titles of Retention NCO of the Year, Career Counselor of the Year, and the Retention Excellence Award in Leadership. The competition included a demanding series of events, such as an Army fitness test, a written exam, a mystery event challenge and a formal presentation board.
Each competitor was accompanied by a mentor, or a senior leader who had previously excelled in similar challenges. These mentors provided guidance, ensuring their Soldiers were well-prepared for every aspect of the competition.
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During the first day of the competition, the competitors faced a presentation board which featured a panel of experienced sergeants major. The board members evaluated each competitor’s knowledge, composure, and understanding of Army retention policies.
As an added form of pressure, the competitors were given real-world scenarios which were designed to test their problem-solving abilities and their understanding of the career field.
Career counselors and retention NCOs play a vital role in ensuring the Army retains the best Soldiers within its ranks. They are located at various echelons across the organization but work in unison to help Soldiers throughout their careers.
This event highlighted the individual achievements of these Soldiers and reinforced XVIII Airborne Corps’ commitment to foster leadership and excellence within its ranks. Each winner received an Army Achievement Medal and a plaque with the XVIII Airborne Corps crest on it.
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The winners for the FY25 XVIII Airborne Corps who emerged after four days of intense evaluations are:
- Retention NCO of the Year: Sgt. Shandora Brooks, XVIII Airborne Corps
- Reserve Component Career Counselor of the Year: Sgt. 1st Class Derek Hopkins, 82nd Airborne Division
- Career Counselor of the Year: Staff Sgt. Johnny Todd, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division
- Reserve Component Retention Excellence Award in Leadership: Master Sgt. William Downing, 101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division
- Retention Excellence Award in Leadership: Sgt. 1st Class Silver Long, XVIII Airborne Corps
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