Brigade's Best Shine During
Soldier/NCO of the Year Competition

Specialist Amie Linville of Co. B, 148th FSB shows off the command coins she received for being named the brigade’s Soldier of the Year. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bill)

Story by Sgt. David Bill
48^th Brigade Combat Team
Public Affairs Office

While training, planning and preparation for the 48th Brigade impending departure for Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism, the 48th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) continued the tradition of selecting the best of the best within its ranks with its Soldier of the Year and Non Commissioned Officer of the Year competition here.

Specialist Amie Linville is the Soldier of the Year, while Sgt. Chad Mercer is named Non Commissioned Officer of the Year for the 48th Brigade Combat Team.

Linville, a tank mechanic with Hinesville’s Company B, 148th Forward Support Battalion said, “It gives me confidence that will help me in Iraq.”  Mercer, a team leader with Cordele’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry, added, “Soldiers should study hard and make it look good”, and that learning the material will help me in my MOS as an infantryman.”

Seven enlisted Soldiers and eight NCOs came together to represent their respective units before a board of brigade sergeants major in a formal question and answer format. And the first time, board members also evaluated Common Task Testing (CTT) proficiency.

	Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver congratulates Sergeant Chad Mercer of Co. B, 2/121, for being chosen the 48th Brigade NCO of the Year. (Georgia National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bill)

The competing Soldiers had to complete tasks involving care of the M16 rifle, evaluating a casualty, first aid to prevent shock and reacting to a chemical or biological attack. The NCOs also had to perform the task of issuing a warning order. 

48th BCT Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson said he asked Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, the 48th’s commander, about conducting this “friendly competition” while at Fort Stewart. This, Nelson said, “continues the tradition of selecting the outstanding Brigade Soldier and NCO for competition at the state level in Macon later this year.” General Rodeheaver agreed to his request, Nelson added.         

 With Rodeheaver, his staff and the 48th’s battalion commanders in attendance, Nelson announced the winners. General  Rodeheaver presented brigade coins to each board participant. As he did, the audience applauded enthusiasticly and shouted “hooah” to their fellow Soldiers. Nelson said that a more formal presentation of awards for the Soldier and NCO of the Year is forthcoming.