Army Announces Best Warriors for 2009
Posted by geraldostlund on October 5, 2009
Just minutes ago, the Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth O. Preston, announced the 2009 Army Best Warriors.
Specialist Shiloh Becher, Army Reserve Soldier of the Year 2009.
Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler, Army Reserve NCO of the Year 2009.
Unfortunately for Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler and Spec. Shiloh Becher, the Army Reserve’s two competitors, the two winners came from United States Army Europe (NCO) and Forces Command (Soldier).
Although not Army’s 2009 winners, the two still beat out some 210,000 Army Reserve Soldiers and will carry with them the honor of being the command’s best warriors this year.
Just before the announcement, Butler and Becher talked with a military reporter about their experiences. “It (competing) was a tremendous opportunity,” said Butler. Asked if he would do it again, he said “it’s time for me to step aside and let someone else compete.” Listen to Butler’s interview.
Becher commented about the Army-level competition. “It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t as hard as the USARC competition (in July at Fort McCoy, Wisc.). Between the Army competition ending Friday and today’s announcement, Becher even found time to run in the Army Ten-Miler Sunday in Washington, D.C. Listen to Becher’s interview.
While both competitors are rightly disappointed, both performed extraordinarily well. The entire Army Reserve community is extremely proud of these fine American Soldiers.
SSG Hill said
Great effort guys! I’ve enjoyed checking in on the two of you over the last week. I feel that you both still left a mark on the everyone that the Army Reserve is still a force to be reckoned with. I’ve had several of my Soldiers checking your blogs and you’ve motivated then to compete. I’m sure there are countless others nation wide. Good Job guys.
Staff Sgt. Evans said
Great job guys I couldn’t be more proud of you two. It is an honor and a privilege to say that I stood and shook hands with the USAR best soldiers. Thanks once again and I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
T Hale said
You guys were fantastic and represented the Army Reserve extremely well! Keep up the great work!!!!
MSG Dawn Rutherford said
Congratulations for making it to that level and representing the Army Reserves so well. You have lives outside of the Army yet went toe to toe with the best of the AC. You are the true WARRIORS!
SGT EMERY said
Thank you SSG Butler and SPC Becher for representing the Army Reserves so well! We’re so proud of you!
LTC Gerald Ostlund said
Staff Sgt. Butler and Spec. Becher – I could not think of two finer gentlemen to represent the Army Reserve throughout the next year. Your performance, integrity, and good humor was fantastic to watch throughout the Army Reserve and Army competitions. You are winners. Army Strong.