Photo By Sgt. 1st Class William Howard | Spc. Nicholas Pierce, automated logistical specialist, Company A, 4th Brigade Support...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo.— Spc. Nicholas Pierce, automated logistical specialist, Company A, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, rose above his peers to win the Division Soldier of the Quarter Board held at Fort Carson, Nov. 4-5.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico, native said he had wanted to enlist into the military since high school after hearing stories of his two grandfathers who served in the Pacific during World War II.
“Something I’ve always wanted to do is serve my country,” said Pierce. “It’s an honor to serve and to wear the uniform.”
Pierce joined the Army in July 2010 and currently serves as the acting noncommissioned officer for the issue section of the Fort Carson Support Supply Activity (SSA).
“We’re pretty much the face for the customers of the SSA,” said Pierce. “If we fail to do our job it will hurt the people downrange on the front lines.”
Pierce said he interacts with all of the battalions of 1st SBCT and supplies them with what they need; from pens and paper to weapons parts and sensitive items.
After competing in the 1st SBCT Soldier of the Year Board last May, Pierce said he began studying for the Division Soldier of the Quarter Board.
“Really having some good noncommissioned officers around helped me with studying and the hands-on portion,” said Pierce. “Everyone should know the basic Soldier tasks but if you don’t practice them they’re easy to forget.”
Pierce said he competed in four boards prior to this one and that each board became increasingly more difficult.
“They’re looking to see what not only what your company or battalion represents, but your brigade,” said Pierce. “To put on a disappointing performance would make your brigade look bad so there’s more pressure.”
After competing in the two-day Division Soldier of the Quarter Board, Pierce went straight into three-day 24-hour operations at the SSA. He said he didn’t mind.
“I love being here with the other Soldiers,” said Pierce. “I feel like everyone here has helped me in some way and I want to help them and share all of my knowledge.”
After recovering from the shock of learning that he was named Soldier of the Quarter, Pierce said he simply plans to prepare for the next board.
“I want to make not only the post, but my division, brigade and battalion look good,” said Pierce. “I want to set an example and show that hard work does pay off.”
Pierce said his success wouldn’t have been possible without the support from his leadership and especially his family.
“I’d like to thank all of the other competitors; good luck to them and don’t let this discourage you,” said Pierce. “Come back to the next one and compete.”
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.17.2014 16:55 |
| Story ID: | 148061 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | ALBUQUERQUE, NM, US |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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