By Capt. Taylor Criswell
1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Affairs Officer

FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas – Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Air Cavalry Brigade finishes People First Action Week recognizing outstanding individual soldier contributions.

Capt. Trevor Schmitt, commander of HHC, held a close-out formation Oct. 1 near the brigade headquarters to wrap up a vigorous week full of personnel, equipment and family readiness activities. Each soldier selected for recognition was introduced by their supervisor who took a moment before the coins were presented to tell the formation why they selected that particular trooper.

“Hard work pays off, but nobody’s going to tell you when,” said Schmitt. “They didn’t know they were getting a coin. They didn’t know they were getting an award. They’re [working this hard] because they have that flag on their shoulder and U.S. Army on their chest.”

The care and pride that each NCO felt for their troopers was abundantly clear. Several section non-commissioned officers (NCO) nominated troops to be recognized based on their high levels of individual contribution to the unit. Without hesitation or reservation, each NCO vividly described the work ethic and mission dedication of their soldiers. 

“It takes a lot of work to move this brigade out the door and it does not happen without the work of everybody in this formation,” said Schmitt. “I know you guys have been working your tails off and it’s due time that we recognize a lot of the star performers that we have here today.”

At the conclusion of the presentation, the unit promoted young Pvt. Tristan Wade to private first class. Wade’s first line supervisor, Spc. Braylon Estis proudly changed out the rank on his battle-buddy’s chest and patrol cap.

For more information about the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, please contact Capt. Taylor Criswell, Brigade Public Affairs Officer, at donald.t.criswell.mil@army.mil.