U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

The U.S. Army hosted a commemorative ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to pay respects to Pvt. Robert D. Booker and Staff Sgt. Stevon A. Booker, as well as to christen the M10 Booker Combat Vehicle, named in honor of two Soldiers’ sacrifices.

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

The ceremony also honored the Families of Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Booker, who died during World War II, and Distinguished Service Cross recipient Staff Sgt. Booker, who perished due to injuries sustained during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The two Families were joined by Soldiers from 34th Infantry Division and 3rd Infantry Division, units the two Bookers served in, respectively.

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

“These men both paid the ultimate price,” said Reverend June Jeffries, the pastor of New Life Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “So we honor their service, and we honor the families from which they come. This nation is standing at a time where we need to remember that we are more united than we are separated.”

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

The M10 Booker Combat Vehicle is a small glimpse of the U.S. Army’s ongoing effort to modernize and dominate multi-domain environments and large-scale operations. It provides infantry brigades with overwhelming firepower, while remaining maneuverable enough to keep pace with Soldiers in nearly all terrains. However, not even the Army’s most groundbreaking equipment is developed without a deep, reverent look to the past. The vehicle was named for these two Soldiers who sacrificed everything for the nation.

The two Booker Families christened the first M10 Booker vehicle, named “Another Episode” in honor of Staff Sgt. Booker’s tank during his second deployment to the Middle East, at the end of the ceremony. Additionally, the 3rd Infantry Division Band performed during the ceremony, rendering honors and respects to the fallen Soldiers and their Families.

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

“Soldiers need more than weapons,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Glenn A. Dean III, the program executive officer with Ground Combat Systems. “They need the indomitable wand the boundless confidence that comes from knowing they do not sacrifice needlessly or alone.”

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

Staff Sgt. Booker, a Detroit native who enlisted in 1987, served under the 3rd Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this period of service, on April 5, 2003, Booker’s unit participated in what is now known as Thunder Run - the armored offensive into Baghdad, Iraq that resulted in the collapse of Sadam Hussein’s rule over the country.

U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Jonathon Downs

“Booker was one of those special troops everyone in the unit knew,” said Jim Bell of Fort Knox, Kentucky, Booker’s Company Commander during Desert Storm. “I was not surprised to learn that he had matured into a fine noncommissioned officer and a superb leader. He touched my life and I’m proud to say I served with him. Booker, you will never be forgotten.”

Congratulations to the soldier of OSUT class #24-16 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! This soldier has been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and has earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in their career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

             PFC A.Panther 

Instructors : 

 SGT A.Shocked        

 SPC P.Byrde            

 CPL J.Starling        

WO1 J.White         

The U.S. Army Reserve is celebrating its 117th anniversary this year, honoring the legacy of service since its founding in 1908. Yearly ceremonies at the Pentagon and Reserve centers have been tradition since 1962. The Army Reserve's have served a vital role in national defense and civil service, with notable personnel such as Major General Mary E. Link praising Reserve soldiers' dedication, emphasizing their readiness to support military and civil objectives. Community outreach initiatives have underscored the Reserve's commitment beyond the uniform. As it enters its 117th year, the Army Reserve reaffirms its mission to provide trained and ready forces for the nation's defense needs.

Congratulations to the soldier of OSUT class #24-15 (Arma3) for successful completion of training! This soldier has been awarded the Army Service Ribbon and has earned the right to be a full active member of their squad and the unit! This is merely the first step in their career here at 3rdID, we look forward to your continued success! Hooah

Graduates :

 PV2 N.McEnheimer   

Instructors:

 SGT A.Shocked           

   SPC B.Fitzgerald          

WO1 J.White               

Alpha Co. Opening notes
Company Evals starting today

Force Improvment Classes
Land Navigation Course (april 20th)

Anniversaries
2LT C.Winters - 3 year (april 29th)
SGT W.Fives - 3 year (april 19th)
SGT A.Byrd - 2 year (april 9th)
CPL R.Winters - 2 year (april 9th)
SPC R.Sjordal - 2 year (april 11th)
CW2 E.Poltorak - 1 year (april 30th)
SGT D.Shade - 1 year (april 22nd)
SPC A.Birdlike - 1 year (april 3rd)

The Alpha Company Award Ceremony is a special occasion once a month to allow the unit commander to honor recipients who have been recognized for their accomplishments while assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Gaming Unit.

The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence of the following Soldiers. In view of these qualities and their dedicated service to the 3rd Infantry Division, they are, therefore, promoted and awarded the following.

The following Soldiers are promoted to

W-1 Warrant Officer 1
WOC J.White is being promoted to Warrant Officer 1

E-7 Sergeant First Class
SSG D.Marsh is being promoted to Sergeant First Class

E-5 Sergeant
CPL A.Byrd is being promoted to Sergeant

E-4a Corporal
SPC G.Nagy is being promoted to Corporal

E-4b Specialist
PFC S.Margretson is being promoted to Specialist
PFC N.McIntosh is being promoted to Specialist
PFC I.Bar-tal is being promoted to Specialist

E-3 Private First Class
PV2 B.Montana is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 S.Ohwo is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 F.Ramirez is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 J.Harro is being promoted to Private First Class
PV2 J.Andersson is being promoted to Private First Class

The following soldiers have been awarded:

Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
SPC Q.Clayton w "V" device
MAJ J.LaFlash

Good Conduct Medal 
MAJ J.LaFlash
CW2 E.Poltorak 
WO1 D.Frost 
WO1 K.Hall 
WO1 J.White
SFC D.Marsh
SSG J.Duck 
SSG R.Ivanov
SSG J.Ayers
OCS E.Babol
SGT J.Nicholas
SGT A.Shocked
SGT D.Smiricky 
SGT W.Fives 
SGT A.Byrd 
CPL J.Starling
CPL M.Donnelly 
CPL R.Winters
CPL G.Nagy
SPC G.Plunkett 
SPC T.Pearson 
SPC A.Birdlike
SPC I.Franklin
SPC N.Mcintosh 
PFC J.Culvey  
PFC T.Pearson 
PFC J.Fuller

Armed Forces Service Medal
MAJ J.LaFlash - FIG
1LT A.Vandle - INTEL
CW2 L.Kelso - PAO
SSG R.Ivanov - FIG
SGT J.Nicholas - FIG
SGT D.McKenzie - PAO
SGT W.Fives - RRO
SGT A.Byrd - RRO
SPC A.Bills - RRO
SPC P.Byrde - RRO, FIG

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
SPC I.Franklin

Army Achievement Medal
SGT D.Smiřický
CPL T.Hunter
SPC J.Erickson
SPC D.Hughson
SPC X.Swoop
SPC I.Bar-tal
PFC E.Shmul
PV2 Z.Ditto

Army Commendation Medal
CPL R.Winters
SPC G.York

National Defence Service Medal
SPC N.McIntosh

Joint Service Achievement Medal
SGT W.Fives
SPC J.Erickson
SPC D.Hughson
SPC Q.Clayton
SPC A.Bills

Joint Service Commendation Medal
SPC B.Fitzgerald

Humanitarian Service Medal
1LT N.Cooper
WO1 D.Frost
WO1 J.White
SSG J.Duck
SSG N.Kovic

NCO Proffesional Development Ribbon
SGT A.Shock
SGT K.Krios
SGT A.Byrd
CPL R.Winters
CPL G.Nagy

Soldiers Medal
SGT D.Smiřický

Air Assault Badge
SGT A.Shocked
WOC J.White

French Fourragere
SGT A.Shocked