ILNG Soldiers Nominated for Top Transportation Officer and NCO

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/06/2015)(readMedia)-- Three Illinois National Guard soldiers from the 1144th Transportation Battalion have been nominated as Transportation Soldiers of the Year

Story by CDT Paul Wissmiller, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs

Three Illinois National Guard Soldiers serving in the Transportation Corps were nominated for the 2015 Transportation Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Officer of the Year.

The NCO award is given up to the rank of sergeant first class. The officer award is given up to the rank of captain.

Soldiers are nominated by their commanders, who submit a packet detailing the nominated soldiers' distinguished service, significant contributions and performance in support of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.

Staff Sgt. Vincent Echeverria of Chicago, Illinois, a platoon sergeant and master resiliency trainer with the 1244th Transportation Company in Crestwood, Illinois, was nominated for the Transportation Corps NCO of the Year Award. He has been deployed twice and has served 14 years in the Illinois National Guard.

Echeverria said he was surprised his leadership nominated him, but the nomination means a lot to him.

"I have literally put blood, sweat, and tears into this," said Echeverria. "This award would be a culmination of everything I have done."

Echeverria's commander, 1st Lt. Richard Wharton of Chicago, said Echeverria is a key leader and expert logistician who consistently exceeds the standard.

"Echeverria is the definitive example of an NCO and an expert transporter who soldiers follow," said Wharton.

Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls, Illinois serves as the readiness NCO for the1644th Transportation Company, based in Rock Falls, Illinois, and was also nominated for the Transportation Corps NCO of the Year Award.

Hacker said he believes the nomination is representative of his entire career.

"It is nice to be recognized as a leader in the field of transportation," Hacker said.

Hacker said he plans to continue his military career and hopes to keep advancing.

"As an active guard reserve Soldier, I plan to stay in transportation," said Hacker. "My ultimate goal is to move up to battalion as an operations NCO."

Hacker's commanding officer, Capt. Linden Allen of Ann Arbor, Michigan, said Hacker is a highly dedicated NCO. "Hacker sets the standard for the Illinois National Guard and the Army as a whole," said Allen.

The commissioned candidate nominated for the Transportation Corps Officer of the Year Award is 1st Lt Nathaniel Jungheim of Chicago, Illinois, the executive officer for the 1644th Transportation Company.

Jungheim said he works hard.

"My nomination and success are due to being productive and lifting others up, being able to transfer knowledge to your platoon leaders, and working closely with your NCOs," said Jungheim.

Allen said Jungheim has a wealth of operational and safety knowledge as well as great experience, which he uses to make the unit focused and efficient. "Jungheim has been instrumental in developing newly commissioned officers and is well deserving of this honor," said Allen.

If a nominated Soldier wins the award, he will be invited to attend the Transportation Corps' Regimental Honors Day to accept in person.

Capt. Michael Barton, the Officer in Command of the 1144th Transportation Battalion based in Delevan, Illinois, said the unit has a winning tradition with this award, and hopes "the good track record will continue."

Photo Cutline 1: Pictured here is 1st Lt. Nathaniel Jungheim of Chicago, the Executive Officer for the 1644th Transportation Company in Rock Falls, Illinois who was nominated for Transportation Corps Officer of the Year. (Submitted Photo)

Photo Cutline 2: Staff Sgt Vincent Echeverria of Chicago, a platoon sergeant and master resiliency trainer with the 1244th Transportation Company in Crestwood, Illinois, was nominated for the Transportation Corps NCO of the Year Award. (Submitted Photo)