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Feature Stories

NEWS | Nov. 23, 2016

US Army Central recognizes “Hero of the Week”

By Army Sgt. Victor Everhart Jr. U.S. Army Central

U.S. Army Central recognized an intelligence analyst Nov. 17, as the ‘Hero of the Week,” a title given to Soldiers who positively impact the organization and mission, at Shaw Air Force Base.


Brig. Gen. Viet X. Luong, USARCENT chief of staff, identified Spc. Natasha Nicholson, a Brooklyn, Connecticut native, with the accolade for earning honor graduate at the Warrior Leader Course.


An honor graduate must complete the course without a negative counseling during the month-long course and rank within the top 10% of the class, which is normally comprised of 80 to 90 Soldiers.


Nicholson stated, she performed well in every category and that academics were her strong area.


Nicholson added that she was concerned most with land navigation because she only had experience doing land navigation as a group a few times before the course.


Nicholson’s supervisor spoke positively of her work ethic, military bearing and personality.


“She’s a very good Soldier that gets things done with a positive attitude that’s infectious,” said Sgt. 1st Class Twila Carmona-Reese, USARCENT intelligence analyst. “I originally met Nicholson as an [individual advanced training] instructor. I was her platoon sergeant, and even then, I could see her positive Soldier traits and that she would do well in the Army.”


Carmona-Reese added it’s a breath of fresh air to have Soldiers that you know are dependable which makes the work load much easier. Nicholson is just the type of Soldier you wish for, and as a leader, it makes you want to go the extra mile to ensure that she completes the steps to be promoted.


Although Nicholson knew she would be recognized by her immediate chain of command, she was surprised senior leadership acknowledged her accomplishment in WLC.


“It was nice to be recognized for the work that I put in to be successful in this course,” said Nicholson. “I didn’t really expect Gen. Luong to recognize me in front of all the senior leadership, but it is always good to know the most senior people are watching and approve of my accomplishments.”