Corporal Levi Kelso joined the 3rd Infantry Division Realism Unit in February 2022 where he was assigned to Third Squad, First Platoon, Alpha Company "War Eagles". In Third Sqaud Kelso served as a Fireteam Member and since April 2022 as a Fireteam Leader and just this October, Kelso was selected as Squad Leader of Third Squad. 

Throughout his time here, he has shown a very strong passion for our unit, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence. He shows these while leading a combat Fireteam but also shows excellence in several DMOSs (RRO /FIG) where he serves as a Recruiter on our Recruiting and Retention team and he serves as a Drill Instructor within our Force Improvement Group. Given these qualities, his demonstrated leadership potential, and dedicated service, Corporal Levi Kelso been awarded the Soldiers Medal and selected as this Soldier of the Quarter.

Tell us a little about yourself? - I’m a 16 year old kid born and still being raised in Northern Alabama. Outside of the unit I take part in High school football. Really into football specifically College, I’m sure someone you have heard me yell “Roll Tide” on various occasions. if I’m not at Football Practice/games then I’m usually doing the stereotypical Souther thing and out hunting something. 

Why did you join 3rdID and what keeps you here?- Back at the first part of the year I really got into Arma Life RP funnily enough and I played a lot of KOTH when I wasn’t on an RP server. After about a month of that I found myself wanting a more realistic combat experience like I got in the RP servers I played so I looked into Milsim. I still remember like it was yesterday going on to YouTube and typing in “how to find Arma 3 Milsim” and I found a video talking about clans list and then I found the 3rd Infantry Division at the top. Once I got in I really enjoyed the community and enjoyed the combat. I enjoyed how much dedication it took to succeed so it feels good to have my hard work finally paying off

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout your whole time in the unit?- Back when Poltorak was still the Squad Lead for 3rd Squad and I had recently got the up to Teamlead for Bravo, We were walking through a town where we encountered a Truck that was believed to be rigged with explosives. Well as the platoon backs away, The now Retired D.Sklenar stepped forward to the truck. When I turned around he was practically sanding in the bed of the truck when it blew up and then his limp body shot over my head at an incredible speed. Definitely was a good laugh after he got yelled at. 

Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers?- Don’t quit. I came into this unit as a recruit and already on the back foot but I kept at it and I kept giving it my all. You don’t have to be the smartest soldier nor do you have to be the best shot but if you keep giving it your all then good things will come of it. 

What army value is the most important to you and why?- I believe Loyalty is. Even if you aren’t the best shot or the smartest soldier or even the most knowledgeable person. I find it a lot more admirable for someone to stay by mine or someone else’s side no matter what and through thick and thin. 

What motivates you?- My men. I want the absolute best for them so I work like crazy for their benefit so they enjoy their time and hopefully do the same. 

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?- If you get knocked back, keep going. I’ve been knocked back so many times and not given positions I thought I deserved but I worked hard and showed respect to my subordinates and it all payed off.