Infantryman, Military Police Soldier take top honors at Fort A.P. Hill

Spc. Jacob Alonzo, IMCOM, zeroes his rifle before heading to the reflexive fire range during the Soldier of the Year competition. (Photo by Marny Malin)

After four days of rigorous competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Joint Forces Headquarters-National Capital Region named its Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the year.

Spc. Stephen Lester, 289th Military Police Company, and Staff Sgt. Jason Seifert, A Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, stood in astonishment July 19 after receiving top honors.

"It was a constant nonstop competition-mentally and physically challenging," said Seifert, who received the honor of NCO of the Year "It's great."

"This was one of the best experiences I've had in the Army," said Lester, who took the title of Soldier of the Year.

Seifert, stationed at Fort Myer, and Lester, stationed at Fort McNair, trained for the competition together by going to the gym twice a day and practicing weapons training, among other activities.

Both will represent JFHQ-NCR at Fort Lee in September for the Army-wide NCO and Soldier of the Year competition.

"We had a great time, we did exactly what we came to do ... we had a competition," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Greer, JFHQ-NCR and Military District of Washington command sergeant major. "There isn't a Soldier or NCO that can leave here and say they weren't challenged."

During last week's competition, 16 Soldiers and 23 NCOs came from eight different commands to compete in a variety of activities.

Upon arrival Sunday, participants took a written test where they answered questions on the new Army service uniform and Warrior Ethos.

Monday, competitors began with an Army Physical Fitness Test and participated in a board appearance where they answered questions for a panel of command sergeants major.

Throughout the week, they stayed busy with a variety of events and even took part in mystery events. During the mystery events competitors performed first aid and dealt with simulated media interviews.

The competition ended with a cookout and awards presentation.

Installation Manangement Command named Spc. Charles Smith and Staff Sgt. Christopher Allisonas their Soldier and NCO of the year.