We are proud to recognize Staff Sergeant Steven Ohwo as our Soldier of the Quarter.

Since first enlisting in August 2022, SSG Ohwo has built a distinguished career marked by steady growth, exceptional leadership, and unwavering professionalism. Beginning as a Fireteam Member in Alpha Company, he quickly demonstrated the discipline and skill necessary to advance through the ranks, earning leadership roles as Fireteam Leader and ultimately Squad Leader of 1st Squad, 1st Platoon, Alpha Company, a position he has held with distinction since May 2025.

Throughout his service, SSG Ohwo has participated in numerous operations spanning multiple campaigns, including Operation Blue Giant (Lithuania), Operation Northern Lights (Finland), and the ongoing Operation Egyptian Collapse (Egypt). His combat record includes more than 30 missions, both conventional and airborne, where he has consistently demonstrated tactical expertise, resilience, and courage under fire.

SSG Ohwo’s extensive list of qualifications and schooling speaks to his dedication to continuous improvement. He is Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault qualified, and a graduate of the Warrior Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, and Squad Leader Developmental Course. His technical and combat proficiency is further underscored by Expert Rifle Marksmanship and multiple advanced combat certifications, including Combat Lifesaver and Designated Marksman.

In addition to his combat leadership, SSG Ohwo has contributed to the Public Affairs Office as a Journalist (46Q), showcasing his versatility and commitment to serving the Division beyond the battlefield. His attention to detail and professionalism made him a respected voice within both the Alpha Company and the broader Division staff.

His decorated service includes some of the Army’s highest honors, among them the Bronze Star Medal (2x), Soldier’s Medal, Purple Heart (2x), Army Commendation Medal (6x), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge (3rd Award), Valorous Unit Award, and Presidential Unit Citation. These commendations reflect a record of valor, consistency, and outstanding contributions to the 3rd Infantry Division's mission set.

Through his leadership, humility, and devotion to excellence, SSG Ohwo exemplifies what it means to be a non-commissioned officer, leading by example and setting the standard for others to follow.

Get to Know SSG Ohwo: Soldier of the Quarter Interview

Tell us a little about yourself:

“I am 22 years old, from Pennsylvania, and just a guy who spends too much time on the internet. From day to day, you can always find me on Discord responding to messages or hanging out with some of my closest friends, some of whom I've met within the unit.”

Why did you join 3rdID and what keeps you here?

“Originally I had joined 3rdID a number of years ago after a good friend, CPL Montana, I have known for years convinced me to give MilSim a chance. We stumbled on the 3rdID page from the old Clans List post a while ago and decided we would give it a chance. I had even chickened out at one point but came back with courage, eventually getting me to where I am today. As for what keeps me around, well to put it simply it's the people I've met throughout this journey; the fun mixed in with some of the most friendly and eager people I have met, I was welcomed with open arms into First Squad a number of years ago and now I look forward almost a full 4 years later and now I am the one in charge of that very same squad, truly something that opened my eyes to a number of things.”

Favorite or most memorable moment?

“I have one of my favorite memories of the unit so vivid in my head I could only hope to put it into words. During my first rotation within the unit I took part in the Blue Giant Operation alongside good buddy CPL Montana, and we both can agree that there was a single mission during that deployment that we both want to see make a return. While preparing to leave for the mission, the enemy stormed our FOB, and we had to hold out defensive positions for a full 2 hours. I remember at one point Major himself coming over to myself and Montana to give us some words of encouragement and help take out a tank or two. It was some of the most fun and hectic experiences I've ever had with the unit and I hope for one day it makes a good return.”

Advice for fellow soldiers?

“Some advice to give to anyone in the unit, keep working towards what motivates you, the worst thing that happens is you don't have something to work toward,s and you feel yourself get stagnant, set a new goal and work towards that to keep the drive in you to continue pushing yourself to learn new things!”

What Army value stands out most to you?

“I think the army value that best fits me would be Courage. Without that, I wouldn't be here today. As I said before I had actually chickened out on my first time in the unit, but I was given some great advice by many people in the unit from the likes of Major himself, even my then Squad Leader SSG Ivanov, just have the courage to give it a good chance and see how it goes. I took that and ran with it, I came back, and now I find myself in the same position as the squad leader before me.”

What motivates you and do you have any goals for the future here?

“Motivations are a big part of the unit, I remember during my NSO to join the unit we had talked about what we want our future to look like here and how could we work towards those goals, and when we reach those goals to set new ones that are just as hard if not harder to obtain. The way I look at it is I want to set everyone up for the best possible time they can have with the unit and that is my current motive, giving everyone I can a chance to have fun the way they want to have it.”

Any valuable lessons learned in the unit?

“The most important and valuable lesson I have learned in the unit is no matter how long it takes or how hard it is, it is always important to teach those that come after you with every bit of information you can, it could be something small or something large but it's impactful not only for your experience with that person but for that person to then share with someone else.”

What’s your favorite thing about the unit?

“My favorite thing about the unit would have to be the classes and ceremony, it was such a tough choice I couldn't just pick one. The classes you can take in the unit are not only good for learning things that will help you just within the unit itself but also in your everyday life. The ceremony is just a cool thing to see especially from a leadership position we get to hand out some medals for people that put their all into the unit, whether it be their DMOS or even something they did to help others in their squad or platoon, it's always cool to see people get some recognition for going above and beyond.”