Staff Sgt. Jacob A. Ferrara, assistant operations sergeant, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, focuses as he prepares to begin reflexive fire during the “Warrior Challenge,” U.S. Army, Pacific’s Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the year competition at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii,  June 11.  (Photo by Pfc. Ashley M. Armstrong)

by Pfc. Ashley M. Armstrong

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii—For the second consecutive year a Soldier from the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command was distinguished as the best noncommissioned officer of the year after competing in the “Warrior Challenge,” U.S. Army, Pacific’s Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year competition at Schofield Barracks, June 9 -14.

            Staff Sgt. Jacob A. Ferrara, assistant operations sergeant, 94th AAMDC, was awarded the title of the USARPAC Noncommissioned Officer of the Year at the Army Birthday Ball in Waikiki, June 14, and he will go on to represent USARPAC in the Department of the Army NCO and Soldier of the Year competition at Fort Lee, Virginia, during the last week of September.

The USARPAC competition was comprised of the top Warriors from each of the participating units, as all 11 competitors who participated had won the titles of NCO or Soldier of the Year at their units.

 “To be NCO of the Year brings great recognition and great responsibility. You are required to represent that image for that entire timeframe and everyone is looking at you to see what right looks like,” said Ferrara.

After being distinguished as the NCO of the Year for the 94th AAMDC through the unit level competition, Ferrara studied vigorously for the next level of competition with several members of the 94th AAMDC, said Ferrara’s sponsor for the USARPAC competition, Sgt. 1st Class Micheal D. Herbst, 94th AAMDC.

“It takes a Soldier who has initiative and drive to win the title of NCO or Soldier of the year, a Soldier who really wants it, a Soldier who takes the initiative to study and develops a plan to prepare. Sergeant Ferrara definitely fits that description,” said 1st Sgt. Patricia A. Obey.

During the competition the Soldiers were tested on their Army knowledge, personal strength and military proficiency. The competitors earned points depending on how well they did in six main areas; weapons qualification, Army Physical Fitness Test, Urban Orientation Course, hands-on Warrior Task Testing, written exam and essay, and Command Sergeant Major Board. 

“I was just focused on doing my best in each event. I took it one event at a time and stayed focused on what I had to do to pass that event. The most challenging part for me was juggling my college classes and studying for the competition at the same time,” said Ferrara.

According to the consolidated score sheet on the USARPAC Warrior Challenge webpage, Ferrara’s overall score was 437.5 out of the 500 possible points, giving him a 39.5 point lead.

“This competition has improved me as a leader and a Soldier because I have been able to set the example for my Soldiers and I’ve learned about myself and my capabilities,” said Ferrara.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, United States Army Pacific Command, presents a noncommissioned officer sword to Staff Sgt. Jacob A. Ferrara, assistant operations sergeant, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, after Ferrara was announced USARPAC Noncommissioned Officer of the Year at the Army Birthday Ball in Waikiki, June 14. (Photo by Rod Pavez)

Ferrara received an Army Commendation Medal, a noncommissioned officer sword along with money and other prizes for his success.

“It was good to see the expression of him and his wife when they announced the winners, it was a total look of excitement and disbelief,” said Herbst.

Ferrara will continue to set the example for his unit and USARPAC as NCO of the Year and to prepare for the DA level competition.

“He is a great NCO. His actions on a day-to-day basis prove that he is the best. He didn’t have to go to the competition to prove that he was the best. The competition was just a formality,” said Herbst.