Major LaFlash is proud to recognize Sergeant Tyler Laramee as our Soldier of the Quarter, SOTQ, for second quarter of 2015. Recipients of the SOTQ  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.   SGT Laramee has had several tours here at 3rdID, filling assignments in almost every DMOS, as well as being a successful Fireteam Leader and Squad Leader. Upon his Re-instatement as a Private Trainee on April 1st, 2015, he has dedicated his time, in-game skills, leadership ability, and professional skills in everything that he does. This tour he has quickly worked his way up the ranks, dominated as a Fireteam Leader for Third Platoon’s First Squad, Bastards. He has now moved on to become Squad Leader of Third Platoon’s Fourth Squad, Bulldogs. SGT Laramee is committed to his team, takes pride in his attention to detail, and intends to help those soldiers under his lead become better soldiers and prepare them for leadership positions as well. 

Why did you join 3rdID? I joined the 3rd ID, because they were my old unit's main competitive unit, and both of us were military realism. So I knew some of the guys that were in the Unit, and it would be a easy transition over. I know I left a few times and came back a few times.. well.. maybe more then a few. But with this tour, I am looking at things with a different perspective and I am here to have fun and meet new people to enjoy playing the game that we play.  
What is your favorite aspect of the unit? My favorite aspect of the unit here is that this has been a very strong community. Although there are only a few people that I know that are still here when I first joined and a lot of people have left. There is just something about this place that draws people back. Including myself, a few other people I know have came back to the 3rd, and have been successful in being here. If it was just only a one time thing, or more.. people are able to make really good bonds here with other soldiers and create memories that will stick with them.  
Any favorite memory that has stuck with you? One of my favorite memories that I have here in the 3rdID, is when I was here during the AA2 days, and I took WLC. We were doing a section of the course where a team leader was appointed to lead the team to get the objective. Each team leader was the first person killed, and I was the only one that stepped up, and was able to complete the objective... I was also the only one that didn't get a turn lol (good ol' aa2 border)
Tell us a little about your DMOS work. I enjoy RRO and FIG, because you get to interact with people a lot more and getting a better idea on who they are when they get in the 3rd. CID.. well for me it is a no brainer. I currently work part time as a Graphic Designer creating posters for a local company, so I also want to help out the 3rd with graphic work as well.  
Any advice to give to your fellow soldiers?  I have been in milsim gaming for a long time, and have had tons of experience both good and bad. But I would say, figure out what you want out of the 3rd ID. What are your goals that you want to achieve. As soon as you find what you want to accomplish, go for it. It might take awhile to get where you want to be, but always remember, you get what you put into it.    
Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?  One of the things that I have learned in the 3rd is a little philosophy that has been stuck with me, and that is.. I teach what I know, and learn what I don't. I have been in milsim for a long time, but I always learn new things all the time. and I teach people those things as well. There are many other things that I have learned, but this is something that stuck. You would be surprised on how effective this can be.  
 

Accomplishments of Second Quarter, 2015:

• 20 JUN 15:  Completed Airborne School (15-02)
• 07 JUN 15:  Promoted to Corporal
• 07 JUN 15:  Awarded Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,          NCO Development Ribbon
• 27 APR 15: Assigned as Fireteam Leader 1/3/A/1/2/3rdID
• 16 MAY 15:  Graduated Warrior Leadership Course (15-03)
• 03 MAY 15:  Awarded Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Basic Parachute Badge
• 03 MAY 15:  Promoted to Specialist
• 02 MAY 15:  Completed Airborne School (15-01)
• 08 APR 15:  Promoted to Private First Class
• 08 APR 15:  Awarded Army Service Ribbon, Marksmanship Badge (Expert)