The Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineering Company hosted a formal Soldier Recognition Dinner on Saturday, January 7th. The event was held in the Hilton Garden Inn banquet hall and was dedicated to recognizing soldiers for the work that they have done over the last two years.
The hall was filled with soldiers dressed in gowns and suits, as they mingled and laughed together. Alongside the dinner portion of the event, the program for the evening included a cocktail hour, ceremonial toasts, dancing, a raffle to win different prizes, and a speech from guest speaker Chief Warrant Officer Four Chad E. Hamner.
“We have been planning this for about a year now. The idea was born two years ago, and I’m very appreciative of all of the work and all of the people that went into making this happen” said Captain Ethan Carswell.
The award ceremony was the main event of the evening. Soldiers from three different platoons were recognized for outstanding performances and time served within the unit. Parts of the command team were also recognized for their leadership capabilities.
“During normal times, we don’t get as much time to be ourselves and to goof off and truly have deep conversations with other soldiers, so when we’re at these events it is more of an opportunity to do those kinds of things” said Sergeant Ryan Ellerton, who has served in the National Guard for seven years,
“I received the Army Achievement Medal, which is for doing really good work for the unit and making sure our missions get done. I’m a medic, so it’s also for providing exceptional medical support while doing those missions.”
Guests in attendance were all a part of the 133rd Engineering Company, and the unit was appreciative of the opportunity to attend the event, as they are preparing to stand down to turn into an infantry detachment. This was the last event that every person in the unit would be able to attend together.
“My experience was really good. This was my first military event since joining the army. It was a really great bonding experience and way to do something that wasn’t standard drill time” said Specialist Christa Lutrey, a UW Senior and National Guard medic,
“Even though we’re a community and a family, sometimes it’s hard to know about what all goes on in the different platoons if you’re not part of them. It was really nice for all of us to be in one room and get to share that experience.”
The command team hopes to have the ability to organize more events like these in the future as they are fundamental in bonding soldiers together as well as maintaining overall retention.
“I think that events like these are absolutely imperative for retention for the soldiers and to give them space in front of their peers to acknowledge what they have done,” said Captain Carswell, “it helps us to still be driven and helps us to wake up in the morning and do the work that we’re doing.”
