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    Gunstone soldier earns top honors during German ceremony

    Gunstone soldier earns top honors during German ceremony

    Photo By Michael Armstrong | Staff Sgt. Kevin Smalley, intelligence analyst, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery,...... read more read more

    FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

    10.25.2013

    Story by Sgt. Michael Armstrong 

    USAREUR HQS

    FORT BLISS, Texas - The German Armed Forces Military Proficiency Badge was awarded for the last time Oct. 25 at Fort Bliss, Texas, and a Gunstone soldier took the top honors at the event.

    Approximately 125 service members participated in the German event, 78 completed the events, and Staff Sgt. Kevin Smalley, an intelligence analyst, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 212th Fires Brigade, 1st Armored Division, distinguished himself from the other participants by having the top overall score in the seven events.

    The seven events of the GAFMPB include a 100-meter swim, shuttle run, pullup hang, 1-kilometer sprint, a pistol shooting competition and a 12-kilometer ruck march with a 33-pound backpack. The GAFMPB is awarded in gold, silver or bronze to American soldier athletes who complete the seven events within time or distance standards.

    “I knew when I started the event I was going to give it 100 percent,” said Smalley. “I knew the standard to earn the gold badge during each event and that was my goal the whole time.”

    The awards in gold, silver and bronze were presented by German air force air defense center commander Lt. Col. Nils Wetzel during a ceremony at the German Club, Oct. 25, at Fort Bliss, Texas. After the names and awards were handed out, Smalley was the last soldier to have his name called.

    Smalley was presented his award along with a framed certificate from the German air force after a speech from Wetzel.

    “I had a feeling I was going to be recognized,” Smalley stated. “Before the ceremony, I was told I was going to be the last awardee. When I was standing alone during the ceremony and Lt. Col. Wetzel called me forward, I knew something was up.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.25.2013
    Date Posted: 10.31.2013 13:10
    Story ID: 116025
    Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US

    Web Views: 119
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN