TF Warhawk Names Brigade NCO and Soldier of the Year

Photo By Staff Sgt. Joshua Hammock | Staff Sgt. William Earley (center), a unit supply noncommissioned officer with the 638th Aviation Support Battalion, Indiana Army National Guard, poses for a photo with the Task Force Warhawk command team, Col. Allan Cutchin, commander (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Rogelio James, brigade CSM, at Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 15, 2019. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hammock)  

IRAQ

10.15.2019

Courtesy Story

244th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 244th Combat Aviation Brigade named an Indiana Army National Guard noncommissioned officer and an Army Reserve Soldier, NCO and Soldier of the year for Task Force Warhawk’s 2019 competition at Camp Taji, Iraq, Oct. 14, 2019.
Staff Sgt. William Earley, a unit supply sergeant with the 638th Aviation Support Battalion and Spc. William Massey, an aviation operations specialist with the 244th CAB’s, Headquarters and Headquarters Company won the competition persevering over other Task Force Warhawk competitors through multiple events.
“We were absolutely inspired and proud by the efforts of these Warriors,” said brigade command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Rogelio James. “‘Proud’ is an understatement.”
Earley and Massey faced off against competitors through multiple events including: a two-mile run, an essay, a written exam, a medical training lane, a four-mile ruck, and in-person board.
The competition gives Warriors from the task force’s units a brief respite from their normal duties while deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve and Task Force Spartan – Operation Spartan Shield.
“While fully engaged in military operations, leaders strive to maintain a sense of normalcy regarding our Soldiers day to day lives,” said James. “At home station they look forward to these events, it boosts morale and keeps soldiers occupied. The Soldier of the Year and NCO of the Year are tools to maintain that esprit de corps while deployed.”
Task Force Warhawk is a multi-component task force consisting of Soldiers from each of the Army’s three components, which supports aviation operations in various locations throughout the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2019
• Date Posted: 10.21.2019 15:58
• Story ID: 348498
• Location: IQ