COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A platoon sergeant from the Army's 1st Space Brigade was selected as the 2011 Pike's Peak Outstanding Enlisted Member in Category Two (E-5 and E-6).
Staff Sgt. Benjamin L. Sharp, NCIOC, 1st Space Battalion Joint Tactical Ground Station master training and evaluation noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), had a look of surprise on his face as he accepted his award from Adm. James A. Winnefield Jr., commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, during the annual Armed Forces Day Luncheon on May 20. The event is sponsored by the Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and was held at The Broadmoor hotel.
"I think this award is an outstanding achievement, because it represents my Soldiers. This honor just goes to show that through the support of your Soldiers, you can achieve anything," said Sharp of his win.
Sharp's selection as an outstanding NCO was not unexpected from the 1st Space Brigade's senior enlisted leaders.
"Staff Sergeant Sharp is an outstanding NCO and has been exceeding standards throughout his career," said Command Sgt. Maj. James Ross, 1st Space Brigade, "It does not surprise me at all that he won the mid-grade category."
Ross' feelings were echoed by the 1st Space Battalion Operations Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Richard Janice, who represented the battalion at the luncheon. "I think it's awesome. With the career he's had, I wouldn't expect anything different out of him."
Two other Soldiers represented USASMDC/ARSTRAT as nominees during the luncheon. Sgt. 1st Class Gabriel A. Cardenas, NCOIC with the Directorate of Training and Doctrine, USASMDC/ARSTRAT, and Spc. Roger R. Rodriques, signals analyst, Headquarter & Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade, joined 14 other finalists in the running for three top outstanding enlisted spots.
"I am proud of all the Soldiers who are represented here today. Needless to say that Sergeant Sharp was recognized is a tremendous honor. Every Soldier here brought numerous strengths and credentials to this. I'm just proud to be in their formation," said Col. Eric P. Henderson, commander, 1st Space Brigade.
The competition was part of the week-long Pike's Peak Regional Armed Forces celebration. It allows Soldiers from Army Space to compete head-to-head amongst the more than 30,000 other men and women in the area from all military branches, to include active and reserve components, as well as Canadian Forces.
Previous USASMDC/ARSTRAT winners are 1st Sgt. Steven Adams who won in Category Three (E-7 & E-8) in 2008 and Staff Sgt. Nicholas A. Brown who won in Category Two.
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