FORT CARSON, Colo.— Col. Michael Tarsa, acting senior commander, 4th Infantry Division, presented the Draper Armor Leadership Unit Award to the commander and first sergeant of Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment Mar. 4.
Lt. Col. Wickliffe Draper established the Draper Armor Leadership Award in 1924 to competitively test the leadership of small cavalry units.
The award is granted annually to the best troop or armor company in a unit based on criteria established by the unit’s division or regimental commander.
First Sgt. Jon Noyes, senior enlisted leader, Company D, expressed his gratitude.
“I’m honored to receive the award,” said Noyes. “But it’s earned by the soldiers of the company, not myself or the commander.”
Capt. Chris Reed, commander, Company D, set high standards for his soldiers.
“Push your soldiers every day to make them better,” said Reed. “Coordinate with your command team, promote a healthy command climate, and challenge your soldiers with tough realistic training to build their confidence.”
During their eight-month deployment to Kuwait in 2013, the company conducted a gunnery, mounted platoon live-fire exercise, Kuwaiti partnered battalion combined arms live-fire exercise, Level III Emergency Deployment exercise, “Tanker Stakes” Warrior Skills level 1 and 2 competition, inaugural Spur Ride, M4, M9 and M249 qualifications.
The company also maintained the brigade titles of Top Tank Platoon and Top Tank Company through three consecutive tank gunnery’s.
This marks the final Draper Armor Leadership Unit Award for 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg., before the battalion cases its colors Mar. 2014.
“Delta Company bestows a great honor on 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg., during its final chapter by receiving one of the highest awards in the armor community,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Volk, senior enlisted leader, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg.
Each award recipient received the Goodrich mini-trophy, Cavalry and Armor Leadership Book and Chief of Armor Coin.