Photo By Sgt. Marcel Pugh | U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kelvin Swint, the commander of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment,...... read more read more
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In a small town in Columbus, Mississippi Matthew Price walked into a recruiters office with the intention of turning himself into a fearless warrior. With the stroke of a pen and the raising of his right hand, Price took the first step in pursuing his intentions.
Initially he did not feel the need to go to college and waste money based upon the uncertainties of what he wanted, Price said. Therefore, he entrusted his future to the Army.
November 17, 2014 marked the day in which he began his military career. Approximately four years later, U.S. Army Pvt. Price was rewarded for his dedication by moving up in rank and becoming a U.S. Army sergeant.
At just 22 years-old, Price is being recognized as the Soldier in Focus during the month of October for his un-yielding dedication and exceptional work ethic.
Price is an infantryman, assigned to 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, deployed to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, an enduring training exercise between NATO and U.S. forces.
Price works day and night in the Tactical Operations Center; arranging movement and travel through the Defense Travel System and helping Soldiers with their Government Travel Cards.
“He stays up until literally 2 a.m. in the morning to help people,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Stephon Hunt, S1-personnel non-commissioned officer in charge for 2-5 CAV.
At the junior enlisted rank of specialist, Price took on the position of a staff sergeant and has supported approximately 500 Soldiers in the battalion. In his current position, Price has learned to step out of his comfort zone and perform well beyond his rank.
“Nobody would be able to take their emergency leave....., they wouldn’t be able to go to school, they wouldn’t be able to request school and they wouldn’t be able to do their maneuvers to and from places,” Price said.
Price proved himself to be a major asset to the battalion through his phenomenal work ethic. Due to his remarkable performance, Price was promoted to an E-5, a non-commissioned officer, on October 9, 2018.
“I put in so much effort,” Price said. “I think people realized that and they see that potential and they want that in an NCO.”
Price is a young leader who understands the importance of his job and does it without direct guidance or complaint. Therefore, he understands the responsibility of becoming an NCO and wants to use his new rank as an opportunity to continue to set a positive example for other Soldiers.
“You have to earn your stripes and he’s earned them,” Hunt said.
Price's no-quit attitude and willingness to accept any and all challenges helped him earn his rank.
“He (Price’s recruiter) explained to me how hard it would be and times where I would want to quit and give up, but he said you just find the strength to keep going and keep pushing through it because the outcome is much greater.” Price said.
Despite the long days and late nights, his battle buddies and family remains his source of support and motivation through the years.
“The people I work with motivate me daily,” Price said.
Although Price is approximately 5,769 miles from home, his family have stood by his side as he navigated the challenges and rewards of being an American Soldier.
“They are proud,” Price said. “They are happy for me.”
His mom, Katrina Neitzke, and his stepfather, Robert Neitzke, created a solid foundation of encouragement that drove Price to push himself beyond his limits and face challenges head on.
Price’s promotion was just the beginning. He has aspirations to become a warrant officer and fly helicopters. Therefore, he continues to work diligently and study for the upcoming test that will grant him access to becoming a pilot.
His future is bright and foresees himself bleeding green for at least another 25 years.
“I would fight to continue to serve with him,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joseph Charest, liaison officer for 2-5 CAV at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria.
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2018 08:53 |
| Story ID: | 298129 |
| Location: | MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, RO |
| Hometown: | COLUMBUS, MS, US |
| Web Views: | 455 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldier in Focus: U.S. Army Sgt. Price Bleeds Green, by SGT Hannah Tarkelly, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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