Idaho Falls man named U.S. Army-Europe Soldier of the Year
An Idaho Falls man is one of three soldiers named the best in U.S. Army Europe for 2014.
Pfc. Nicholas Hanson of the 173rd’s 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, earned the title of Best Warrior Soldier of the Year as the USAREUR’s top junior enlisted soldier after a weeklong competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany Friday.
Hanson, 19, is a 2013 graduate of Idaho Falls High School. He is the son of Scott and Margaret Hanson. His father said the competition involved a wide range of rigorous tests including physical fitness, navigation, marksmanship, knowledge of Army regulations, obstacle courses, and emergency first aid.
Hanson learned he won the title after a long march that began at 2:45 Friday morning.
According to the U.S. Army Europe, another 173rd Soldier, Sgt. Nicholis Couture was named Best Warrior NCO of the Year and First Lt. Michael Theising as Best Junior Officer.
“While, as in any competition, you know there can be only one winner in each category, I would like you all to know you are Europe’s examples of fit, disciplined and well-trained professionals,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David S. Davenport Sr., USAREUR senior enlisted advisor.
“I am really glad that I got to support and represent the 173rd in this competition and I can’t wait to represent USAREUR next,” Hanson said.
Hanson and Couture will represent the USAREUR at the Department of Army level competition October 6-10 at Fort Lee, Virginia.
