New York City Soldier is Army National Guard Soldier of The Year

Specialist Sebastian McClendon is Top New York Army National Guard Soldier for 2009

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Spec. Sebastian McClendon

LATHAM, NY (03/29/2009)(readMedia)-- Specialist Sebastian McClendon, of New York City, was named the New York Army National Guard's Traditional Soldier of the Year on Sunday, March 29, following a two-day competition at state National Guard headquarters.

McClendon is a member of Company A, 1st Battalion 69th Infantry, based at the Lexington Avenue Armory.

Traditional Guard Soldiers perform their duties on a part time basis, spending one weekend a month and two weeks a year to serve their country.

McClendon was chosen based on breadth and depth of knowledge of numerous subjects during both a written test and a board appearance. These subjects included military leadership, history and justice, security and intelligence, weapons and warrior tasks which included first aid, field sanitation and land navigation.

"We are getting more diversified Soldiers who are more prepared, and I truly believe we have a good chance of winning the regional event," said New York Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major Robert Van Pelt.

The jam-packed weekend of evaluation included an Army physical fitness test followed by hands-on performance tests in voice communications, first aid on an open head wound, identifying terrain features on a map, performing a functions check on an MK 19 machine gun and performing the placement of a claymore mine, while wearing full battle gear and protective mask.

"I like winning, I have a huge amount still to learn and most of all it's an honor to be part of history, with the 69th and other Soldiers of the Year representatives that came before and will come after," McClendon said.

Their afternoon consisted of a land navigation and map exercise, reciting the NCO Creed and ended with a social gathering. Although the get-together is an opportunity for Soldiers to interact with each other, it allows the candidates conduct and behavior to be evaluated in a formal setting.

"I strongly encourage our leadership at all levels to identify our brightest and talented Soldiers, by nominating them for Soldier and NCO of the Year they demonstrate their confidence in their abilities and it helps build espirit de corps within the National Guard," Van Pelt said.

Photo Cutline:

Specialist Sebasatian McClendon, a member of Company A. 1st Battalion 69th Infantry is the New York Army National Guard Traditional Soldier of the Year. Photo by Sgt. Christopher Connelly, 42nd Infantry Division (Released)