CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq —Sgt. Evelyn Pollard, medical treatment non-commissioned officer in charge, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, leads her Soldiers by example.
She has won her battalion's NCO of the month board, is on the verge of finishing her bachelor's degree in liberal arts, and will attempt to get inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and earn the Army's Expert Field Medical badge.
"I have had Soldiers study and win the Warrior of the Month Board," said Pollard. "All my Soldiers have over 500-completed [military] correspondence courses and all have re-enlisted for an additional skill identifier, such as Cardiac Cath school, which is a two-year school with only 11 Soldiers in the Army meeting the criteria."
Pollard oversees four Soldiers, two of which have won the 16th STB's Warrior of the Month Board.
"Sergeant Pollard has helped me grow into the Soldier I am today," said Spc. David Lindahn, medic, 16th STB. "Without Sergeant Pollard I would probably still be counting down the days until I [get out of the Army]. Instead, I re-enlisted and I am counting down the days until I go to my additional skill identifier school next April. She gave me the guidance and leadership to make the right decisions in the Army and in life."
The 25-year-old Brooklyn, N.Y., native has learned a lot from her current platoon sergeant, Staff Sgt. Robert Norton.
"He has seen my potential and has always given me the opportunities to become a well-rounded NCO," said Pollard. "His encouragement, motivation and mentoring has helped me at times that I needed it most."
Norton said that although he is the platoon sergeant, Pollard has made him a better Soldier also.
"Sergeant Pollard pushes me to be as 'squared away' as an NCO as I can be," said Norton. "She keeps me on my toes with her knowledge and questions, and has motivated me to take college courses and apply for officer candidate school."
Norton also said it is an honor to be Pollard's supervisor.
"I am proud to be Sgt. Pollard's NCO because she is a 'squared away' NCO who is always willing to accept a challenge and go the extra mile to accomplish the mission," said Norton. "She takes pride in mentoring, counseling and making a difference in all Soldiers' lives and pushes Soldiers to be the best they can be and never quit."
Pollard's success can be credited not only to her military support system, but her strong support system at home, her husband of six years, Christopher Jr., and her three-year-old son, Christopher III.
"My family has been extremely supportive by sending me cards and daily inspirational emails to keep me focused on the mission here," said Pollard. "My husband has been the most supportive, taking care of our son and ensuring that I have everything that I need while deployed."