SOLDIERS OF THE YEAR 2002

 

On 1 March 2003 the following soldiers were selected as the Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers of the Year for 2002:

 

TNARNG ENLISTED SOLDIER OF THE YEAR 2002

 

Specialist Gregory D. Barnett assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Cookeville, Tennessee.  Specialist Barnett is 30 years old and originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He is single and presently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.  He graduated from Charles Page High School in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, attended Tulsa Community College and is currently attending Columbia State Community College.  Specialist Barnett has served in the Tennessee Army National Guard for over two years.

 

 

TNARNG NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE YEAR 2002

 

Staff Sergeant Jamey M. Murphy assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Knoxville, Tennessee.  Staff Sergeant Murphy is 28 years old and originally from Maryville, Tennessee.  He graduated from William Blount High School and attended the University of Tennessee for two years.  He is married to Alison and they have a five-year old daughter, Sheridan, and a three-year old son, Camden.  They presently reside in Corryton, Tennessee.  Staff Sergeant Murphy has over 9 years of military service.  He had six years active duty before joining the Tennessee Army National Guard.

 

Each soldier competing in the Soldier of the Year honor was interviewed by a panel of five Command Sergeants Major.  Questions asked the participants ranged from First Aid, Map Reading, Weapons, and Physical Fitness to Field Sanitation.

 

This is the second consecutive year that the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment has won the “State” competition.  When you see these soldiers please go up and congratulate them on their success in earning this individual honor and also in representing the Regiment within the State.

 

The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander and Command Sergeant Major:

Colonel Max Haston

Command Sergeant Major James Pippin

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