FORT CARSON, Colo. – Each year, the 4th Infantry Division’s top career counselors participate in the Career Counselor of the Year competition, which recognizes the dedication and expertise of career counselors assigned to the division. .
Ivy’s career counselors are essential in helping soldiers navigate the complexities of a military career. The event saw the division’s top counselors step away from their day jobs to compete for the coveted title of “4th Infantry Division Career Counselor of the Year.”
“Ultimately, there can only be one winner per category,” said Sgt. Maj. Marco Bochmann, division senior career counselor. “They came together as a team and learned from each other as they came together.”
Participants underwent a series of events including the Army Combat Physical Fitness Exam, a written exam, a formal committee appearance, and a surprise event: Land Navigation.
“Land navigation reminded me that I needed to hone my skills,” said Staff Sgt. Wilda Tamika Richardson, a career counselor assigned to the 4th Division Sustainment Brigade. “But at the end of the day, we are soldiers first.”
Land navigation exercises have been one of the biggest challenges for competitors, as career counselors are typically not required to do them as part of their regular duties.
A panel of senior non-commissioned officers from around the world assembled to evaluate the competitors.
These experts assessed participants’ knowledge of career counseling and retention programs and policies and provided valuable insight and feedback based on their extensive experience.
“This contest was a huge confidence booster for me,” Richardson said. “Even if we didn’t win, the feedback we received was enough.”
At the end of the competition, Staff Sgt. Deniseo Nieves, a career counselor with 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was awarded Career Counselor of the Year.
“This is my second time participating. My senior noncommissioned officer also participated, so I felt really good and motivated,” he said. “It gave me the strength to compete again.”
Resident Noncommissioned Officer Joey Patterson, assigned to the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was awarded the Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award and Master Sergeant of the Year. Brandi Williams, senior career counselor for the 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, received the Retention Excellence Award in the Leadership category.
“It’s rewarding to come from another division and meet career counselors from other members of the Army,” said Staff Sgt. Maj. Jason Clark, command career counselor for the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. “Knowing that they have hard chargers who give their all and challenge themselves shows that they are the future of our career field and the Army.”
Nieves will compete in the U.S. Army III Corps competition later this year.
This contest recognizes and rewards their efforts to ensure that the Army is able to deploy, engage, and destroy America’s adversaries in close quarters combat with lethal, responsive, and highly motivated military personnel. It helps ensure that you maintain a skilled force.
Photographed: October 16, 2024 Posted: October 16, 2024 19:50 Story ID: 483284 Location: Fort Carson, Colorado, USA Web Views: 5 Downloads: 0 Public Domain
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