St. Joseph recruiter honored by Missouri Army National Guard

Sgt. 1st Charles Wood stands with his Recruiting and Retention Command, Sergeant Major Award for Recruiting and Retention Excellence in 2011 award. This is the second year in a row Wood has been recognized for exceeding recruiting standards across Missouri. (Photo by Jennifer Archdekin/Missouri National Guard)

By Jennifer Archdekin
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Army National Guard recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class Charles Wood, was recently awarded the Recruiting and Retention Command, Sergeant Major Award for Recruiting and Retention Excellence in 2011. This is a state-wide recognition for the St. Joseph-based recruiter.

Though a Guardsmen for nearly 20 years, Wood has only been a recruiter for three years.

"Being recognized for excellence each year I have been in recruiting means a lot to me," said Wood. "Coming in to this career field late in my career and being able to achieve this type of success consistently shows dedication and the ability to accept the daily challenges that occur in this career field."

Last year Wood received the Adjutant General's Top Producer Award and the Rookie of the Year Award. He is proud to know he is continuing on the right path.

"It does feel good knowing that I am producing quality Soldiers and doing it consistently," said Wood. "The recognition makes you strive even harder the next year to be recognized again."

According to Wood, having great knowledge of what he is promoting, and also truly believing in it, is what makes him successful.

"The Guard has a great product and having years of experience with this product makes it easy to sell," said Wood. "When those young adults come in to my office and ask questions I can use two decades of experience to answer their questions. It is hard to find a Soldier in the Guard who isn't satisfied."

Wood has been with the National Guard for 19 years, serving 16 of those years with the 1-129th Field Artillery. He also served three years with the active duty Army. Wood is a 1990 graduate of Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett.

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