Richmond Battalion Selects
Center Leader, NCO of Year
By Natalie Skelton, USAREC, Richmond Battalion
Dec. 22, 2014
Staff Sgt. Michael Harter and Sgt. Jake Etzel are Richmond Battalion’s Center Leader of the Year and NCO of the Year.
Lavale, Maryland, center leader, Harter encourages new recruiters to overcome obstacles, build their confidence in order to reach their goals, and always uphold the Army Values.
“The Army standards for recruits have become more stringent. We are harder to join than the Marines!” he said. “However, the team mission-oriented recruiting process has created a more collaborative and comfortable work environment.”
After five years in the Army, Etzel came to recruiting duty at the Harrisonburg, Virginia Center, last February. He credits Staff Sgt. Nathan McElroy for being his mentor.
“He doesn’t just answer questions, he tells me why,” Etzel said. “He hasn’t let me fail yet!”
Etzel sees successful recruiting as the result of a good work ethic and integrity.
“Staff Sgt. McElroy guides me to do what is right and encourages me to be successful,” he said.
Harter and Etzel will represent the battalion at 1st Brigade’s Center Leader and NCO of the Year competition. Those winners go on to compete for the USAREC title in 2015.
Center Leader, NCO of Year
By Natalie Skelton, USAREC, Richmond Battalion
Dec. 22, 2014
Staff Sgt. Michael Harter and Sgt. Jake Etzel are Richmond Battalion’s Center Leader of the Year and NCO of the Year.
Lavale, Maryland, center leader, Harter encourages new recruiters to overcome obstacles, build their confidence in order to reach their goals, and always uphold the Army Values.
“The Army standards for recruits have become more stringent. We are harder to join than the Marines!” he said. “However, the team mission-oriented recruiting process has created a more collaborative and comfortable work environment.”
After five years in the Army, Etzel came to recruiting duty at the Harrisonburg, Virginia Center, last February. He credits Staff Sgt. Nathan McElroy for being his mentor.
“He doesn’t just answer questions, he tells me why,” Etzel said. “He hasn’t let me fail yet!”
Etzel sees successful recruiting as the result of a good work ethic and integrity.
“Staff Sgt. McElroy guides me to do what is right and encourages me to be successful,” he said.
Harter and Etzel will represent the battalion at 1st Brigade’s Center Leader and NCO of the Year competition. Those winners go on to compete for the USAREC title in 2015.