Photo By Capt. Meghan E. Keefe | Staff Sgt. Steven Hooper shakes hand with the 37th EN BN-JTF Eagle BN Executive...... read more read more
JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Staff Sgt. Steven Hooper received a battlefield promotion from sergeant to staff sergeant Sept. 12 at Joint Base Balad.
A battlefield promotion is advancement in rank granted to those who display extraordinary performance while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Since October 2008, Hooper, a Siloan Springs, Ark., native, has served as the a squad leader in the light equipment platoon of A Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, Joint Task Force Eagle, based at Fort Bragg, N.C.
As squad leader for the light equipment platoon, which specializes in horizontal construction, Hooper worked as a sergeant in a position normally reserved for a staff sergeant.
Hooper's chain of command nominated him for the promotion based on his outstanding leadership and exceptional performance.
"He brings a great deal of tactical experience and technical knowledge. He's like a jack of all trades," said Capt. Matthew Wagoner, company commander, A Company 37th Engineer Battalion.
"Staff Sgt. Hooper has a continuous pattern of performing above his pay grade," said Wagoner. "When given a task and purpose, he'll execute every time. I personally value his leadership because he empowers Soldiers. He is everything a Non Commissioned Officer should be."
Since arriving in the Diyala province, the A Co. LE platoon has changed their mission from construction operations to route clearance. During previous deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Hooper conducted route clearance, thus providing tactical skills to his platoon.
"Once my commander informed me of our mission, I turned to Staff Sgt. Hooper for advice on tactics, techniques and procedures," said 1st Lt. Zack Dyer, a platoon leader in A Co., 37th Engineer Battalion and a Cheyenne, Wyo. native. "His experience and leadership has instilled confidence in my Soldiers."
Now that he's been promoted, not much will change, said Hooper.
"I'll continue mission and train my Soldiers," he said. "I do feel proud, though. I am fortunate to have an opportunity that only a few NCOs have."
| Date Taken: | 09.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.19.2009 04:13 |
| Story ID: | 38987 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 455 |
| Downloads: | 372 |
This work, Non-Commissioned Officer Receives Battlefield Promotion While Serving in Iraq, by CPT Meghan E. Keefe, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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