Soldiers in Qatar selected for top honors

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Spc. Chyna Williams, from Crestview, Fla., practices gas mask clearing procedures with Staff Sgt. Ria Phillips, from Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, during the U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar Soldier of the Year and Non-commissioned Officer of the Year selection process at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, May 11. In June, the service members will travel to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to compete for top USARCENT honors. "I always put my Soldiers to the test, so it's about time I do it myself too," said Phillips, prior to beginning the NCO of the Year selection process in Qatar. "I have learned that preparation involves much more than a study guide – you have to become confident about going through the different stages. I am avoiding minimum expectations by always trying to prepare for the next level."  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

05.11.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar — U.S. Army Spc. Chyna Williams, from Crestview, Fla., and Staff Sgt. Ria Phillips, from Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, were announced as the U.S. Army Central Area Support Group Qatar Soldier of the Year and Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, respectively, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, May 11. Williams is an ASG-QA headquarters and headquarters company training assistant. Phillips is an intelligence analyst.

In June, the service members will travel to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to compete for top USARCENT honors. Soldier performance testing will include: weapons qualification, Army physical fitness, urban warfare orienteering, warrior task testing, as well as a 50-question multiple choice and written exam.

"Participating in a Soldier of the Year competition is a good experience," said Williams. "A lot of people aren't afforded this kind of opportunity. I know it will make me a better NCO someday." Williams graduated boot camp in November 2007. Last month, while stationed in Qatar, she was promoted to specialist.

"I always put my soldiers to the test, so it's about time I do it myself too," said Phillips, prior to beginning the NCO of the Year selection process in Qatar. "I have learned that preparation involves much more than a study guide — you have to become confident about going through the different stages. I am avoiding minimum expectations by always trying to prepare for the next level."

"Williams and Phillips are already well trained," said 1st Sgt. Donald Williams, ASG-QA headquarters and headquarters first sergeant. "But participating in this selection process will help them become stronger soldiers and more capable leaders. It's an important tradition for the Army's NCO corps."

• Date Taken: 05.11.2009
• Date Posted: 05.11.2009 10:29
• Story ID: 33463
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA