Army & Air Force Exchange Service Rewards Excellence During 2022 US Army Europe and Africa Best Career Counselor Ceremony

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Maj. Lemakius Gardner, senior enlisted advisor for Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia Region (2nd from right), presented the winners of the U.S. Army Europe and Africa 2022 Best Career Counselor Competition with $250 Exchange gift cards during the award ceremony in U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Dec. 9, 2021. The winners of the active and reserve component competition will go on to compete in the Headquarters, Department of the Army Best Career Counselor Competition in Washington D.C. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Theodosius Santalov)  

WIESBADEN, GERMANY

12.22.2021

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Taresha Hill 

Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ

WIESBADEN, Germany – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service rewarded three winners of the 2022 U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Career Counselor competition with $250 Exchange gift cards Dec. 9.

The annual competition allows any career counselor in the rank of sergeant first class or below who has performed duties in the military occupational specialty 79S for at least six months during the fiscal year to be nominated.

Competitors take part in three events consisting of the Army physical fitness test, a 50-question written exam and board appearance.

This year’s winners are Sgt. 1st Class Isaac Casso, U.S. Army Reserve Component Career Counselor of the year, representing U.S. Army Europe and Africa; Sgt. 1st Class Angel Castro, Active Component Career Counselor of the Year, representing 173rd Airborne Brigade; and
Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Moon, Senior Career Counselor of the Year, representing 10th Army Air & Missile Defense Command.

“Many of people don’t know what career counselors do other than retention,” Moon said. “A lot of this competition was just staying relevant as an NCO and a Soldier.”

Senior enlisted advisor for Exchange Europe/Southwest Asia Region Sgt. Maj. Lemakius Gardner represented the Exchange during the ceremony and awarded the three winners with Exchange gift cards.

“The Exchange is honored to reward service members for excellence,” Gardner said. “It’s a small token to show our Warfighters our appreciation for their service and dedication to their country.”

The winners of the competition will go on to compete in the Headquarters, Department of the Army Best Career Counselor Competition in Washington D.C.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2021
• Date Posted: 12.22.2021 11:36
• Story ID: 411765
• Location: WIESBADEN, DE