Photo By Staff Sgt. Shameeka Stanley | Staff Sgt. David W. Pierce, a counterintelligence agent assigned to Alpha Company,...... read more read more
Staff Sgt. David W. Pierce, a counterintelligence agent assigned to Alpha Company, 311th Military Intelligence Battalion, 500th Military Intelligence Brigade-Theater (MIB-T), is named the 500th MIB-T Vanguard of the Month for May 2019.
Pierce distinguished himself as a model Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) within the 311th MI Battalion. From spearheading leader professional development opportunities to Army Warrior Task training sessions, Pierce uniquely applies his leadership abilities to coach and mentor junior agents in his field office, covering a broad range of topics on Counterintelligence tactics, techniques and regulation.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Dallas, Texas, Pierce began his Army career as an infantryman in 2009. As an infantryman, Pierce served in two deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also received the Expert Infantry Badge and Combat Infantry Badge.
“Prior to joining the Army, I was simply surviving,” said Pierce. “I wanted more out of life and I wanted to thrive. The Army has given me that opportunity.”
Pierce selflessly took on leadership roles not only for his professional development but for his peers and subordinates as well. He attributes his success to his experience as an infantryman for the first four years of his career.
“I have trusted Staff Sergeant Pierce to represent the Brigade in several high-profile events,” said Capt. Ryan K. Easterling, commander, Alpha Company, 311th MI Battalion. “His courtesy and professionalism made him an obvious choice to receive distinguished guests from the highest levels of the Japanese and U.S. intelligence community at the 500th MI Brigade New Year’s Reception.”
Pierce was chosen to represent the Battalion at an engagement with the senior leadership of the Japanese equivalent to the MI Center of Excellence, utilizing the engagement as both an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, and further the Battalion’s operational mission.
“Throughout my time in Command, Staff Sergeant Pierce has been a go-to NCO who I could rely on to get the job done – on time, above standard, and without complaint,” said Easterling.
Pierce consistently promotes a positive Battalion culture and esprit de corps, standing out as a motivator during all unit events, and participating in multiple Commander’s Cup events throughout the year.
“No matter where you go or what you do, life is built on relationships,” said Pierce. You build positive relationships through treating people fairly and with kindness. I believe that professionalism is the key to success. I absolutely adhere to the “Be, Know, Do” philosophy and hope that I am a good advisor to my peers and subordinates.”
Pierce is currently working on his Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security at University of Maryland University College. He looks forward to continuing his military education with advanced counterintelligence courses, while seeking other leadership opportunities.
“Deciding to join the Army truly is a life-altering decision, but there is so much you will experience that less than 1% of the U.S. population can only dream of,” said Pierce. “No matter the job you choose, no matter where you go, you become a part of something greater than yourself. It’s worth it.”
| Date Taken: | 05.31.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2019 21:57 |
| Story ID: | 324953 |
| Location: | CAMP ZAMA, JP |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 561 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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