Photo By Staff Sgt. LaShic Patterson | U.S. Army Sgt. Roy Buendia, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2d...... read more read more
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VILSECK, Germany – U.S. Army Sgt. Roy Buendia, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment earned top honors as a paralegal noncommissioned officer, winning the U.S. Army Europe 2019 Paralegal Warrior Competition in Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, March 27-29, 2019.
“It was a competition designed to test each Soldier’s knowledge and skills through various events,” said Buendia.
Buendia was selected from over 100 paralegals by winning quarterly and yearly boards during the month of February to compete in the noncommissioned officer category of the competition.
Each competitor earned points by completing the Army physical fitness test, a ruck march in the improved outer tactical vest and the advanced combat helmet, a paralegal exam, a military justice online practical exercise, an oral exam board, administering first aid, assembly and disassembly of the M4 rifle, land navigation and a vehicle checkpoint scenario.
“Seeing the other competitors and seeing their push to do the best they can is definitely motivating,” said Buendia. “I figured I’ve made it this far. I definitely would like to have the best showing that I can possibly muster up because I owe it to myself, and I owe it to 2CR.”
Buendia also credits his wife and 15-month-old son to motivating him during his overall Army career.
“My wife and son support me tremendously,” said Buendia. “I definitely would not be anywhere without them,” said Buendia. “The duty days are long, but at the end of the day, the best part is coming home to a smiling son who’s just happy to see you.”
To prepare for the Paralegal Warrior Competition, Buendia credited his leadership and peers at his unit, squadron and regiment who gave him unequivocal support and the chance to grow professionally by attending the competition.
“The hardest part was the other competitors, who I knew several of them personally,” said Buendia. “Their desire to win, all of us our combined desire to win, made the competition very challenging.”
Buendia continued, “I’m really thankful and feel blessed to have met these other outstanding paralegals within the JAG [Judge Advocate General] Corp. One of the best things about the JAG Corps is that we rely a lot on helping each other and pushing each other to be better Soldiers and paralegals.”
Buendia, who recently passed his staff sergeant promotion board, plans to attend the Advanced Leaders Course and hopes to further his professional development by obtaining his civilian paralegal credential in an 8-week course through the JAG Corp. He explained his position as a paralegal specialist with 2CR.
“My career impacts the readiness of the unit in that that we ensure Soldiers are ready to deploy from a legal standpoint,” said Buendia. “In addition, we do assist the commander with maintaining good order and discipline by processing the unit’s legal actions.”
With a GPA of 3.91, Buendia, a Sam Houston University alum, looks forward to graduating from Lamar University this May with a Master’s degree in criminal justice. For paralegals hoping to partake in the competition next year, Buendia offered these words of advice.
“This competition, any major theater competition, is designed to push you in all aspects, not just being a paralegal but being a Soldier,” said Buendia.
“So definitely [begin] preparation and above all be motivated [and] mentally ready to compete against these other outstanding Soldiers throughout the European theater. It requires a hunger for knowledge and to never settle on what you know already.”
On April 19, 2019, Buendia is slated to receive the Army Commendation Medal for his diligence and dedication in earning top honors during the USAREUR Paralegal Warrior Competition.
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2019 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 319358 |
| Location: | VILSECK , BY, DE |
| Web Views: | 285 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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