EL PASO, Texas – The Downtown El Paso Civitan Club awarded the Soldier of the Quarter honor to Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Rockstad, human resources demobilization noncommissioned officer in charge, 2215th Mobilization Support Battalion, Directorate of Mobilization and Deployment, at Andale’s Mexican Restaurant, here, June 16.
The Civitans invited Rockstad, his wife, Sarah, and son, Joshua Jr., to the award ceremony.
Currently, Rockstad is mobilized with the 2215th to Fort Bliss, so, unfortunately, his family still lives at home in Lawton, Oklahoma, and were unable to attend. Fellow Soldiers of the 2215th, Capt. Olivia Cobiskey and 1st Lt. Alexis Gonzales, attended the event to support Rockstad.
According to club President Robert “Doc” Hemphill Jr., Ph.D., Rockstad was nominated by his unit to receive the award to recognize the 500-plus hours of volunteer service he performed in Oklahoma during 18 months.
When Hemphill emailed Cobiskey to request a nomination of an exceptional Soldier, Cobiskey immediately thought of Rockstad. At the time, Cobiskey and Gonzales were processing a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal award for Rockstad and learned of his benevolent behavior.
“The work that he has done in Oklahoma aligns very closely with the Civitans’ mission statement. He believes in giving back to the community,” Gonzales said.
Hemphill explained that the Civitans have partnered with Fort Bliss and have recognized exceptional Soldiers for more than 10 years. The Civitans pay tribute to service members quarterly by treating them to dinner and presenting a plaque.
“Thank you for all the work that you do,” said Hemphill, when he presented the Soldier of the Quarter plaque to Rockstad.
He invited Rockstad to share a few words. Rockstad modestly downplayed his accomplishments.
“Most volunteers don't volunteer to be recognized,” stated Rockstad. “I volunteer to meet new people, make new friends and most importantly to reach out to the community and make a difference. I (am) honored to be recognized and will continue to volunteer during my spare time. Thank you for honoring me.”
The importance of community volunteerism by the military was echoed by Cobiskey.
“Moving every couple of years, I am always amazed by the support local communities organize when a Soldier is in need. So, it’s important to volunteer in those communities, pay it forward, and try to leave them better than we found them,” Cobiskey said. “I am very proud of Staff Sgt. Rockstad for his selfless service.”
After the presentation, the club members socialized with the Soldiers. Rockstad, ever vigilant for an opportunity to volunteer, mentioned that he was available to assist with electrical work in an upcoming Civitan project.