FORT BRAGG, N.C. – It was 2009 and he was a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps when he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. Three years later he competed for the top noncommissioned officer Best Warrior title. Thanking his lucky stars that the tactical-side of Soldiering mirrors the Marines, he studied tirelessly to learn the administrative-side of the Army. It almost worked. He was runner up for the 2012 U.S. Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition NCO of the Year.
That wasn’t enough for him, though. Staff Sgt. Orval Emery, a Wichita, Kansas, native who now resides in Johnstown, Colorado, returned to the competition with hopes of claiming the top title. A Sapper tabbed combat engineer, he ran up against Ranger tabbed Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Fink, who ultimately took the title and went on to also win the Department of the Army NCO of the Year.
And still, that wasn’t enough. At 45-years old, the father of two is trying one more time to prove he’s worthy of the NCO of the Year title.
“I believe a leader should set the example for his or her Soldiers,” said Emery, assigned to 2nd Brigade, Pacific Division, 75th Training Command based in Denver, Colorado. “I want to see if I still have what it takes to compete and maybe win.”
Knowing he only lost last year because of an oversight with the elevation of his weapon on the M-4 carbine qualification range, Emery said he learned his lesson and won’t make the same mistake this year. Additionally, he said he’s gotten stronger each year.
“When they ask me questions, I know the answers now. I don’t have to think as much,” he said of returning for a third time. Although he’s been through the competition before, Emery said that he’s still a little nervous.
Fink said, despite the oversight, Emery was a worthy competitor last year.
“My money is on him,” said Fink of his friend. “I’m hoping things go well for him because this is his third year. He has perseverance (and) as old as he is, I certainly hope I can be as motivated as him when I’m his age.”
Even though this is a competition against 38 other Soldiers who were also vying for the title of Best Warrior, Emery maintained his values and continued to assist Soldiers with their newly-issued personal equipment. Many of the competitors had never worn the Improvised Outer Tactical Vest, so Emery helped them out.
“I do better when I help others. It teaches me more. It keeps me in the mindset, but at the same time what’s the point (of the competition)? It’s Best Warrior. Warriors also go out and help others, too,” he said.
This is a trait Emery had last year as well.
“He’s an awesome guy,” Fink said. “Even though we were competing against each other there was never any animosity. He helped me out a few times.”
Plus, Emery said that’s what being an NCO is all about.
Date Taken: | 05.02.2016 |
Date Posted: | 05.03.2016 17:01 |
Story ID: | 197201 |
Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
Hometown: | DENVER, CO, US |
Hometown: | JOHNSTOWN, CO, US |
Hometown: | WICHITA, KS, US |
Web Views: | 783 |
Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Soldier hopes third time’s a charm to earn U.S. Army Reserve NCO of the Year title, by SSG Christina Dion, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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