Major LaFlash proudly recognizes Sargent Tom Day as our AmrA Soldier of the Quarter, for fourth quarter of 2015. Recipients of the Solider of the Quarter are those soldiers who are active for the 3 months of that quarter and who go above and beyond the normal call of duty. These soldiers truly set the example and exemplify what it is to be a “Rock of the Marne”. Candidates for SOTQ are recommended by Platoon, Squad, Fireteam, and DMOS Leadership. Candidates are then reviewed by BMO staff to determine if the soldier has been active the entire time, performs a uniform inspection, speaks with their Chain of Command about their performance, and in some cases may conduct an interview with the candidate.  Sargent Day enlisted in July of this year, and had his induction a day later.  He has since gone on to serve the unit with 100% dedication, becoming a FireTeam leader in Alpha Company, 1st Platoon, First Squad “Scorpions” and leads his team with pride, setting a great example for all soldiers, and we can't thank him enough for that, he has become a driving force in FIG – where he is able to set an extraordinary example for the new recruits. November proving to be a pivotal month for him, being promoted to Corporal and shortly after being given the Squad leader position of Alpha Company, 1st platoon, 3rd Squad “Spartans”. 
 

Why did you join 3rdID? I wanted to do something on the side and play with a great group of guys who know what they are supposed to be doing at all times.  I was looking for a tactical form of gameplay, but I did not want to join where the structure wasn’t there.  I enjoy that people have their duties and they perform them to what is expect of them.    

What is your favorite aspect of the unit? Definitely how everyone works together as a team on the company level and the organization we have as a unit.  How we take our time and plan out our attack before we actually go into the field, that’s the type of gameplay I like.  This is one of the major reasons I joined the 3rd Infantry Division and it is definitely a reason as to why I stayed .  

Any favorite memory that has stuck with you? Way too many to count.  Although I am particularly fond of my time I spend in a helicopter with CW2 A.Crasci, it’s such a rush I don’t know if I’m going to survive and I love it.  Although if I needed to be more specific I would have to say I enjoy the countless times PFC A.O’Connor has saved my ass every time I do some stupid shit, but this has occurred to many time for me to recall a specific one.    

Tell us a little about your DMOS work.  I am currently in CID and FIG.  I am a uniform updater in CID and I am a Drill Sargent in FIG.  I enjoy FIG significantly better.  I enjoy meeting the new recruits, and being a role model for them.  Seeing them through BCT and getting them set up.  At heart I am a people person, I enjoy meeting new people and FIG gives me the opportunity to do so.

What Army value is the most important to you and why?  Respect.  In order to earn respect you need to show respect first, this is an important concept to understand as a leader.  People respond better to positive actions better than they do to reprimanding them.  The MAJ has a saying he will always say during his WLC it’s “Praise in public and reprimand in private” and this I feel is the key to earning the respect from your soldiers.    

Any comments to everyone in the unit?  Good luck to everyone in 2016 and let’s begin the New Year strong.  Keep up the good work soldiers.