Fort Knox, Ky. –
U.S. Army Recruiting Command leaders have announced the winners of this year’s Annual Awards Board, held here Sept. 21-24.
Four noncommissioned officers were selected as the 2021 USAREC NCOs of the Year after competing against the top NCOs from each recruiting brigade.
Congratulations to the 2021 winners:
• Regular Army Recruiting NCO of the Year -
Winner: Staff Sgt. Donggi Kim, 6th Recruiting Brigade
Runner up: Sgt. Carmen Palmer, Medical Recruiting Brigade
• Army Reserve Recruiting NCO of the Year -
Winner: Sgt. 1st Class Rigoberto Rodriguez-Fernandez, Medical Recruiting Brigade
Runner up: Sgt. 1st Class Christian MatosMartinez, 3nd Recruiting Brigade
• Station Commander of the Year -
Winner: Sgt. 1st Class Rigoberto Portillo-Federico, 5th Recruiting Brigade
Runner up: Sgt. 1st Class Jared Robbins, 1st Recruiting Brigade
• First Sergeant of the Year -
Winner: 1st Sgt. Ryan Price, 2nd Recruiting Brigade
Runner up: 1st Sgt. Tommy Manan-Contreras, Medical Recruiting Brigade
As part of the Annual Awards Board, which was held in person at USAREC headquarters this year after being virtual last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, 23 Soldiers from across the six recruiting brigades competed to demonstrate their knowledge and professionalism.
Competitors each completed a physical assessment test and made an appearance before the USAREC and brigade command sergeants major as part of the board evaluation.
The board selection was based on the whole-Soldier concept, including personal appearance, height, weight, physical fitness, and communication skills.
The winners will be recognized during a ceremony at Fort Knox Oct. 26.