Sgt. Jonathan R. Pierce, Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) was recently selected as noncommissioned officer of the second quarter at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
''I've served as tomb guard at Arlington National Cemetery's Tomb of the Unknowns for two and a half years," Pierce said. Promoted to sergeant of the guard there, Pierce will pay his final respects during his final walk at sunrise April 19.
''I extend credit to 1st Sgt. Raymond Harris for helping me accomplish this goal of NCO of the quarter," said Pierce. ''He prepared and sent me to our battalion NCO of the month board, which led to this. Harris has made a lasting impression, which motivated me to contribute all I can to the NCO corps."
A native of Richland, Wash., Pierce enlisted in the Army almost five years ago. ''I'll be permanent change-of-stationing to Fort Lewis, Wash. On May 1," Pierce said. He, his wife Melissa and 5-month-old daughter Peyton will be near Family while Pierce continues his Army career with the 2nd Infantry Division, 3rd Stryker Brigade.
Pierce also recently received another recommendation. ''My battalion Command Sgt. Major Phillip Cantrell recommended me for promotion to staff sergeant," he said.
Pvt. 1st Class Christopher M. Thore, 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard) was selected Soldier of the second quarter 2011 at JBM-HH.
Thore, a native of Tonawanda, N.Y., has served in the Army for about 18 months. ''As a casket bearer performing memorial affairs at Arlington National Cemetery, I am part of an eight-member casket team," said Thore. ''We do missions for any active duty Soldiers and officers who are killed in the line of duty," he said.
Thore said he had no idea he was up for the selection board again. ''Last September I was told by my squad leader I was going for Soldier of the Month board," he said. ''I was selected for that award last September."
Selected for the Soldier of the Quarter, Thore said he was Soldier of the Quarter and the year for last quarter, 2010.
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