Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Buechler, 211th Engineer Company, South Dakota Army National...... read more read more
A Dell Rapids man with the South Dakota Army National Guard received a national award from the Army Engineer Association recognizing outstanding military service at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, April 20.
Sgt. Richard Buechler, 25, who serves with the Madison and De Smet-based 211th Engineer Company, received the Van Autreve Award, which recognizes junior-enlisted personnel contributions and service to U.S. Army engineers.
Named for the fourth sergeant major of the Army, Leon. L. Van Autreve, the award is presented annually to a Soldier in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve and National Guard.
“To win the Van Autreve Award for the National Guard component was an incredible feat, one that I was not sure I would be a contender for,” Buechler said. “To win this award is very overwhelming and reassuring of the hard work I have done over my career.”
Buechler was selected for the honor based on leadership recommendations for his outstanding performance as a Soldier and his skills as a combat engineer.
“Sgt. Buechler always performs his duties and accomplishes all assigned missions with the utmost professionalism,” Lt. Col. Dennis Bickett, commander for the 153rd Engineer Battalion, said. “His accomplishments and dedication to duty over the past year have definitely earned him the distinction of being recognized.”
“Being a combat engineer is being a part of something great,” Buechler said. “We have trained in some of the worst conditions, from blistering cold to melting heat, and remain the best of the best. The training we do, and who we do it with, is the best part of being a combat engineer.”
The Van Autreve Award is one of five engineer awards presented annually. Award selection areas include training and education, leadership skills, personal growth, management experience and other discerning areas in the overall selection process.
“Sgt. Buechler’s nomination packet highlights the level of commitment which he brings not only to his military assignments, but in his efforts in his local community as well,” Col. Doug Bogenhagen, commander of the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, said. “His accomplishments make him an outstanding recipient for this distinguished award.”
“One of my favorite things about serving in the 211th is the leadership,” Buechler said. “The amount of knowledge and experience they have to offer for new troops and those of us new leaders is by far the best.”
In his civilian life, Buechler works for Sioux Steel as a parts runner. Buechler said his employer has been very supportive of his National Guard career. The company’s chief operating officer, Doug Jack, was also present for the award presentation.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be recognized on the regimental level and to be able to represent the 211th and their ability to mold great Soldiers and leaders,” Buechler said. “The opportunities that are available [in the South Dakota National Guard] are endless and the ability to create opportunity is yours for the taking if you work hard enough.”
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.26.2018 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 274703 |
| Location: | RAPID CITY, SD, US |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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