Photo By Spc. Steven Day | Cpl. Nicholas Cunningham, a First Team Trooper assigned to Havoc Troop, Thunder...... read more read more
Subscribe
FORT CAVAZOS, Texas – After several impressive displays of combat proficiency and work ethic, Cpl. Nicholas Cunningham, a First Team Trooper assigned to Havoc Troop, Thunder Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, was recognized as the Phantom Warrior of the Month on April 8, 2025.
Cunningham demonstrated exceptional skill during the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships at Fort Benning, Georgia, held March 9-15. Out of 197 competitors, he secured first place in the National Match Pistol event and earned the prestigious Excellence in Competition Badge.
The Thunder Squadron Trooper competed side by side with more than 200 marksmen from across the U.S. Army in 11 live-fire marksmanship matches designed to test performance under stress. The competition brought together Soldiers from the active duty, Reserve and National Guard components, as well as cadets from university Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs to the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCOE).
“I am very proud of Cpl. Cunningham’s performance during the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championship,” said 1st Lt. Curran Cochran, Thunder Squadron Scout Platoon leader. “I look forward to seeing him compete in the future.”
In addition to his handgun marksmanship, Cunningham significantly contributed to Thunder Squadron’s sniper section readiness. He participated in both day and night live-fire operations, engaging targets up to 1,531 meters away. He also trained Soldiers on the INOD thermal optic and PVS-30 night vision devices, which enabled the section to conduct rapid target engagements at night over extended distances.
“Long-range precision shooting is a skill that requires a lot of maintenance,” said Cunningham. “The rest of Thunder Squadron’s sniper section and I take any and every opportunity to get behind the trigger, punch a little farther, or get a little closer to the center.”
Away from the firing line, Cunningham serves as a vital member of Havoc Troop’s Armorer Team. In support of the unit’s readiness, he played a pivotal role in ensuring Thunder Squadron’s arms room exceeded the standard in time for the annual inspection.
“Cpl. Cunningham was instrumental in managing and organizing sensitive items amidst lateral transfers in order to receive a first-time pass during our inspection,” said Staff Sgt. Lucas Becerra, platoon sergeant for Havoc Troop’s sniper section.
The Phantom Warrior of the Month Award is a monthly award for soldiers serving under III Armored Corps, commending their service to their unit and the U.S. Army as a whole. As a result of Cunningham’s demonstrations of Army values and dedication to his unit, the Phantom Warriors were proud to present this award to Cpl. Nicholas Cunningham. Soldiers who are selected to receive this award exemplify the Army Values, their unit’s principles, and distinguish themselves from their peers with their exceptional service to their organization.
“I love seeing Soldiers awarded for their performance,” said Cochran. “Especially when it’s as impressive as Cpl. Cunningham’s achievement.”
| Date Taken: | 04.25.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2025 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 496225 |
| Location: | TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 32 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Trooper Named Phantom Warrior of the Month, by SPC Steven Day, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
