Photo By Cpl. Justin Wheeler | Army Spc. Anthony H. Berkowitz, 525th MP Battalion chaplain's assistant, receives an...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — A person who earns Soldier of the Quarter honors represents the Army motto "This We'll Defend," referring to our nation. That professionalism exemplifies the traits of the ideal Soldier and what the Army is about.
Army Spc. Anthony Berkowitz, chaplain assistant for the 525th Military Police Battalion, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, represents the Army as the named Soldier of the 1st Quarter for the 525th MP Battalion of Joint Task Force Guantanamo.
"I was happy to meet my goal of becoming Soldier of the Quarter," Berkowitz said. "It was my best achievement since I've come to GTMO."
The process of being nominated begins in each individual's work section. A soldier or non-commissioned officer is screened by their immediate supervisor. The supervisor then decides whether to recommend the soldier to appear before the company-level board, where they compete against Soldiers from other platoons. Upon being selected as the monthly honoree, the Soldier proceeds to the 525th's quarterly board, where Berkowitz kept himself motivated to stay on top.
"My drive to stand out helped me," Berkowitz said. "I wanted to see where my military bearing, knowledge and professionalism were ranked among my peers."
This self-motivation is a major contributor when competing in these boards, he said. Also, having support from NCOs, knowing the job and maintaining bearing play key roles in his success.
"Knowing your job is important to be recommended for these boards," Berkowitz said. "You have to be someone willing to complete or attempt any task."
Berkowitz is an example of this in his work environment.
"When it comes to Army knowledge, he knows all of that material," said Navy Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Tania Gedeon, chaplain's assistant for JTF Guantanamo and Berkowitz's co-worker. "He could probably tell you every Army regulation there is!"
Along with knowledge of his job and the Army, Berkowitz does more than just exemplify selflessness and a winning attitude toward career progression.
"He tries to progress his Army career in and outside of work by going to school and volunteering," Gedeon said. "He takes online classes and he helps with the United Through Reading program."
Berkowitz represents the traits of an ideal Soldier and those pursing the title of Soldier of the Quarter. The four winners from respective quarter boards will progress to the U.S. Army Southern Command Soldier of the Year competition to represent the 525th among other battalions.
"I am lucky to have the chance to represent the 525th in the USARSO board," Berkowitz said. "I plan on showing the USARSO board that the 525th MP Battalion is the best battalion in the southern region."
With three quarters remaining this fiscal year, three more Soldiers have the opportunity to stand out within the battalion and compete with Berkowitz among other Soldiers in the U.S. Army.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.05.2010 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 47705 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 275 |
| Downloads: | 201 |
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