VOL . 7 I SSU E 1
April 2011
GSDF Soldier of the Year
GSDF HQ, Atlanta, GA, Sunday, March 6, 2011 – Staff SGT Robert Damaschke, the NOCIC of the Transportation Detachment of the 911th Support Command, has been named “Soldier of the Year” for the Georgia State Defense Force. Appearing before an all-GSDF Selection Board, Staff SGT Damaschke was chosen for this high honor from among other candidates previously chosen at the Battalion and Brigade levels. The GSDF “Soldier of the Year” is awarded annually to the soldier who demonstrates the highest level of professionalism and who embodies the best traits of the volunteer soldier. In choosing Damaschke, the Selection Board had to evaluate an outstanding group of other candidates, including Staff SGT Alan Baker, and CPL Jeffrey Wilson.
CSM Ryan, who participated on the Selection Board, said the selection criteria included personal appearance, military bearing, and conformity to GSDF standards. Core competency questions in 1st aid, land nav/map reading, communications were also asked. Emphasis was also on activities during 2010 including professional development, self-improvement, mission participation, attendance at drills, Annual Training, civic involvement, knowledge of the GSDF history and role in military and civil support, personal leadership and service philosophy. She went on to say “the Enlisted Soldier of the Year competition is a very important event! It highlights not only the commitment and dedication of our enlisted troops, but the knowledge, skills and strengths that they bring to the Force. When we choose to train and engage in friendly competition, this enhances our cohesion and our esprit de corps and ultimately our mission accomplishment. Merriam-Webster defines esprit de corps as the the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group. The enlisted soldiers who competed represented our best! They stepped up, trained and competed in this Soldier of the Year competition and by doing so, challenge each of us to do and be better. They showed by their example, that they are willing do the hard work necessary to win, to not quit, no matter what the obstacles. They were committed to doing their best.
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Now, isn’t that the heart of the warrior ethos! There can be only one official winner of the competition, but in my book, each soldier who competed is a winner. It takes courage to do this. SSG Damaschke was the winner of the competition this year. His professionalism and military bearing were outstanding and he is knowledgeable and competent. It is not easy to appear before a board and his composure and can do attitude endured through-out the stressful event!” Staff SGT Damaschke resides in Stone Mountain with his wife Karin, son Max and daughter Abby. Employed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, his prior experience includes the U.S. Navy and the Walton County Fire Department. He joined the GSDF in 2007, saying “I enjoy making a difference, whether in the Navy, a civilian fire department or the GSDF.” Story and photo by CPL Mike Carey Public Affairs Representative, HCC PAO Georgia State Defense Force
Birthday Bash
Band At Strand
New Brigade
OPSEC Training
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