131 LRS, Counterdrug Task Force member receives SNCO of the Year

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Donnelly
  • 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Lambert IAP --  Members of the Missouri National Guard Counterdrug Task Force (CDTF) recently received awards through the Missouri Army and Air National Guard for their outstanding performances as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO).

"This year, both the MONG NCO-of-the-Year and the MOANG Senior NCO-of-the-Year were both full-time members of the CDTF," said Army National Guard Capt. Benjamin Bruening, CDTF deputy Counterdrug coordinator.

The winners of the awards were Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Jessica Zarate, Missouri National Guard CDTF criminal analyst, and Air National Guard Master Sgt. Curtis Hanock, CDTF Eastern Drug Demand Reduction administrator and 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron member.

Even though their work with the CD Program was not the only reason they were chosen for the awards, it still made a difference.

"It has inspired me to accept more responsibility in the Counterdrug Program and strive to be a better analyst to support my agency," said Zarate.

Hanock explained, his supervisory and management skills were what qualified him for the award and he uses those skills with his full-time position with the DDR Program.

"Winning this award was both exciting and was cause for reflection of all the NCO's and officers that mentored me throughout my career at the 131st and in Counterdrug," said Hanock. "I truely feel blessed to have had the people in these two unique organizations help me grow as a person and a SNCO."

Zarate explained, she was recognized for the award for doing the job that was expected of her.

"I didn't know I stood out among other NCOs, I just knew that I should do the best job possible, enrich my knowledge continuously and take care of other Soldiers," said Zarate.

Having these servicemembers win these awards not only emphasizes the great work they are doing, but also highlights the quality of the Missouri National Guard Counterdrug Program.

"I think it is a great statement of the caliber of people in our program," added Bruening.