SPC Hunter Poynor became a member of the 3rd Infantry Division on June 27, 2024. He started his career as a Fireteam Member in Alpha Company, First Platoon, Fourth Squad, Then in November 2024, was selected as the Forward Observer within Alpha Company, Second Platoon. As a Forward Observer, SPC Poynor's leadership has consistently provided direction and inspiration and he is a dependable source of high morale and exemplifies knowledge and expertise in all areas of the Platoon.

In addition, SPC Poynor fulfills the role of 79R - Recruiter in S1 - Recruiting and Retention. Since joining the DMOS a short 6 months ago, he has completed over 17 New Soldier Orientation, leading all Recruiters in the DMOS in the same timeframe. He also serves within our S4 - Logistics - Combat Imaging & Documentation as a 21Y - Uniform Updater. His commendable service has earned him several accolades, including the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM), Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCOM), Joint Service Achievement Medal (JSAM), Humanitarian Service Medal (HSM), along with Airborne, Air Assault, and Ranger tab.

In recognition of Specialist Poynor's significant contributions to service, outstanding leadership, and continuous achievements, he has received the Soldier's Medal and has been honored as Soldier of the Quarter.

Soldier of the Quarter Interview

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a 22 year old guy from Texas who decided to join the U.S. military. I am 8th generation military so everything military has always been a huge interest of mine. So when I discovered Arma, I knew I would love the game.

Why did you join the 3rd ID and what keeps you here?

I discovered Arma 3 in 2017 where I used to play Altis Life. I then left Arma until 2024 when I really wanted to get into a milsim group. After going through a few very small groups, I stumbled upon the 3rd ID. I then saw we gave medals, had cool uniforms on the website that were unique to everyone’s profile, and had 50-plus people attend operations. After that, I was hooked and knew I had no choice but to join and stay. The people I have met and call my friends are what keep me having so much fun on the weekends and willing to keep devoting my time to the unit.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moments throughout your time in the unit?

There are so many moments, but there are two that really stand out. The first one was actually before I joined the unit. I had just applied to the unit, but I was out of town for the week. SGT Nagy denied my application since I was going to be unable to complete my NSO in the required time. And had told me to re-apply once I got back home. I vividly remember thinking, “Oh this guy sucks. I don’t wanna join the unit anyway.” I then re-applied once I got back in town, and since then me and SGT Nagy have become friends and play games together outside of the unit.

The other Incident that comes to mind actually happened during one of our operations. Being in 2nd Platoon we go ahead of everyone else to scout out the OBJ’s and if not careful with who we engage, can quickly be outnumbered. I remember that there was a heavy presence of enemy aircraft in the air that day and we had previously been advanced on by many enemy squads. We had just moved to a new area and being the Forward Observer, I get a drone. I had just tasked CW3 Lotus to scout ahead and make sure we weren’t being flanked while I got on my drone to do the same. As soon as I got at the right altitude on my drone, I heard CPL Swoop say we had a helicopter quickly approaching and to get ready to engage. I then had said, WAIT, as I knew CW3 Lotus would be near us. I then started to rotate my drone to face the incoming helicopter. And as if it were a scene in a movie, I saw in slow motion as my drone finally turned around a stinger missile fire directly at CW3 Lotus and I yelled, NOOOOO. While saying that, I hear CW3 Lotus say, “We are taki…….” At the time it was not good, but looking back and remembering it in slow motion, I find it a very memorable moment.

Any Advice to give to your fellow soldiers to help them in their careers here?

The best advice I have for any fellow soldier is to take every opportunity that presents itself, so you never say I wish I did that. When the Forward Observer application first came out, I applied but was very nervous I was going to do horrible at it or wasn’t going to like it. Since getting the position, it has been some of the most fun I have ever had. So go out and take charge of the opportunity, even if you’re not sure you’ll do good at it.

What army value is the most important to you and why?

The most important value has to be integrity hands down. With being in the Air Force, one of our three core values is Integrity First, which is more than likely why integrity is so important to me. It also is the foundation for building trust and creating new relationships. If you can not do the right thing when there is no one around, how can you be trusted to lead and do the correct thing all of the time. Integrity also helps communicate to other that that can speak with you and trust you. And I always strive to be that person.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward in the unit and do you have any goals for the future within the unit?

What keeps me pushing in the unit is there is always more to be done. More schools to attend, battle drills to learn, or people to meet. As far as goals go, I have a few. My short term goal would be to make SGT, as that’s the max rank for my current billet. Moving onto long term goals, I have 2, one being very ambitious. The first to eventually become a SL, and the second is to be awarded one of every medal in the unit.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?

The most valuable thing I have learned in not just life, but also the unit, is to show everyone respect. You never know what people are going through.

What's your favorite thing about the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit?

My favorite thing about the 3rd ID has to the camaraderie. In the six months I have been in the unit, I have made friends with many people all throughout the different elements. It doesn’t matter if they are in another squad, another platoon, or even in aviation. Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming you can make a friend anywhere.