The U.S. Army announced the winners of the FY25 Secretary of the Army Career Counselor of the Year, Reserve Component Transition Career Counselor of the Year, and the inaugural James R. Bragg Senior Career Counselor of the Year competitions in a ceremony hosted by Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, the Director of the Army Staff, on June 12 at Comny Hall, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
The competitions, held June 9-12 in multiple locations in the national capital region, tested candidates through a series of demanding events. These events included an Army Fitness Test, a formal board appearance, a written exam, and mystery events tailored to different candidate levels, such as weapons familiarization and a decision brief presentation.
After a week of intense competition, the following Soldiers emerged victorious:
- Staff Sgt. Natalie Mathena, Secretary of the Army Career Counselor of the Year
- Sgt. 1st Class Richard Jones, Reserve Component Transition Career Counselor of the Year
- Master Sgt. Ayla Bennett, James R. Bragg Senior Career Counselor of the Year
"Competing at this level has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career," said Career Counselor of the Year award winner Staff Sgt. Natalie Mathena. "It reminded me of the core values that make us NCOs.”
This year also marked the introduction of the James R. Bragg Senior Career Counselor of the Year award. It’s named in honor of retired Sgt. Maj. James R. Bragg, who served more than 30 years as a retention professional. His career culminated with him serving as the Chief of the Retention and Reclassification Branch at U.S. Army Human Resources Command.
Master Sgt. Ayla Bennett, the Bragg award winner, said, "Competing at our nation's capital highlighted how vital Career Counselors are to shaping the future of our Army. The competition tested us as Soldiers, Leaders, and Career Counselors, and I'm excited to share these lessons learned."
The competitions underscore the Army's commitment to developing and recognizing exceptional career counselors, ensuring the continued strength and readiness of the force.
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