Photo By Staff Sgt. Edward Siguenza | Sgt. James J. Gumabon, a fire team leader for Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 294th...... read more read more
CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – Accolades continue for the Guam Army National Guard deep into their Operation Enduring Freedom mission.
Sgt. Jacob S. Carriaga, a team leader for Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, earned an impact Army Achievement Medal (AAM) after winning September’s Noncommissioned Officer of the Month competition for the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan (CSTC-A)/ Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan.
His success not only earned an AAM at the request of his peers, but he garnered another honor Nov. 8 from Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief, National Guard Bureau and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Grass was on the final leg of his Afghanistan mission and awarded Carriaga – and three other Guam Soldiers – with his personal four-star coin.
Pfc. Fletcher H. Persinger of Headquarters Company equaled Carriaga’s success, winning the September CSTC-A/MAG Soldier of the Month for September.
“Fletcher distinguished himself as an exceptional soldier,” said Maj. David P. Santos Jr., operations officer for Task Force Guam. “On top of his daily duties and responsibilities, he dedicated time to prepare for the competition. As a result of his commitment, he ultimately won.”
Persinger earned an AAM as well.
Command Sgt. Maj. Gabriel Cervantes, CSTC-A/MAG command sergeant major, commended Guam’s Spc. Keithrichard T. Muna, a grenadier for Echo Company, after Muna competed against upper ranks in October’s NCO/Soldier of the Month competition. Muna challenged NCOs and fared well, according to Capt. Joey San Nicolas, Echo Company commander. Cervantes responded by selecting Muna as CSTC-A/MAG’s Junior Military Member of the Fourth Quarter.
“His outstanding leadership, professional skill, knowledge, devotion to duty, enthusiasm and dedication inspired by his peers and subordinates to rise above themselves to accomplish all missions,” Cervantes said.
“Muna went forward. He stepped up and wanted to compete against soldiers higher ranking than him,” added San Nicolas. “That shows true determination in our Warrior. He wanted to compete against soldiers with more experience than him.”
Muna’s accomplishments led to his recognition by Grass, who awarded him as well with a four-star coin.
Sgt. Josephine B. Taitingfong, operations NCO for Headquarters-Headquarters Company, and Spc. Gregory J. Esplana, an HHC gunner and multipurpose asset, also earned Grass’ recognition. They earned four-star coins for their unselfish contribution to HHC’s operations, said HHC commander Capt. Gene Guerrero.
Grass, NGB’s 27th overall commander in charge of the 54 National Guards, also recognized Spc. Jeffrey Babauta Jr., another HHC gunner, as the youngest National Guardsman during a Nov. 8 meet-and-greet. At 19, Babauta was the youngest in a room of approximately 200 National Guardsmen from five states and territories. Grass sought the youngest and oldest soldiers for a small ceremony to mark next month’s National Guard birthday.
At Camp Eggers, the general awarded Charlie Company's Sgt. James J. Gumabon with his four-star coin. Gumabon was selected by his peers and leaders as one of the few exceptional Soldiers in the unit.
"He was nominated by Charlie Company for his exceptional service and outstanding leadership in support of our mission here in Afghanistan," said Charlie Company commander Capt. John Salas.
| Date Taken: | 12.03.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 12.03.2013 10:45 |
| Story ID: | 117659 |
| Location: | CAMP PHOENIX, AF |
| Web Views: | 226 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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