Missouri Army National Guard announces Soldier and noncommissioned officer of the year

By: Johnathan Lemons
Unit Public Affairs Representative






NEOSHO, Mo. - After two days of grueling competition, the Missouri Army National Guard announced Spc. Joseph Fischer, of Stockton, Mo., representing Company D, 1st Battalion, 138th Infantry Regiment, Soldier of the Year, and Sgt. Daniel Teter, of Jacksonville, Mo., representing the 3175th Military Police Company, Noncommissioned Officer of Year.

"It was a real honor to be able to compete in this event," said Teter. "It's great to be able to show what I can do as a Soldier."

Teter competed against three others NCOs. Staff Sgt. Thomas Sanders, Columbia, Mo., represented detachment one, 548TH transportation company, Sgt Aaron Keesler, of Waynesville, Mo., represented Company C, 1/106th Aviation Battalion, and Sgt. Antonio Spina, Ballwin, Mo., represented the 220th Engineer Company.

Fischer competed against four other junior enlisted Soldiers. Spc. Michael O'Callaghan, St. Louis, Mo., represented the 1138th Engineer Company; Spc. Shane Norman, Lebanon, Mo., represented the 3rd Battalion, 1/135th Aviation Regiment, Spc. Ryan Duey, Springfield, Mo., represented the 1138th Military Police Company, and Spc. Thomas Saltzman, Columbia, Mo., represented the Missouri Army National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters.

"It's an honor to represent my battalion and brigade," said Norman. "I prepared for this by studying my warrior tasks and getting ready for the oral boards."

Soldiers were tested on the Army Physical Fitness Test, 12 mile ruck march, weapons assembly, map reading, evaluation of a causality and calling for a medevac using a radio. While these skills are familiar to most Soldiers, this group excels at them.

"This group is among the best of the best Missouri has to offer," said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Burns, organizer for the event. "To be ready for an event like this you must prepare. I think all these Soldiers have come prepared."

The competition kicked off at 7:30 in the morning with the 12 mile ruck march. The weather held up as the Soldiers navigated the rough back roads of Camp Clark, often navigating around mud holes and uneven terrain. Finishing the march in less than three hours took a toll on the competitor's bodies.

"My feet are killing me right now," said Spina shortly after finishing the march in around two and a half hours. "I was really pushing hard this morning and can feel my feet blistering. It's the price you pay for wearing the wrong boots."

The afternoon of the competition was filled with warrior task and drills. Rain made some of the outdoor events more difficult, but the events went on without a hitch.

The winners and runners up received command sergeant major coins. All competitors received a date organizer and back pack. The winners' photos will also be added to a plaque to be displayed at Ike Skelton Training Site.