United States Division-North
By Spc. Michael Adams
By Spc. Michael Adams
“It’s a relief,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been working on for awhile. I want to represent the division. I want to show my hard work in this type of environment. I’m definitely proud today.”
Cabrera, of Brooklyn, N.Y., re-enlisted 91 soldiers in his unit. The battalion’s goal was to re-enlist 49 soldiers. He met his unit’s end strength by 186 percent.
Even though Cabrera is honored to have won this award, the job he does regularly is rewarding for him.
“A career counselor is being able to take care of the soldier in every way,” he said. “It means following that soldier to when he gets into the unit. It’s being involved, it’s something that I like doing. We’re caring for the soldiers. It means a lot to do this on a daily basis and have that interaction with soldiers and know that soldiers always rely on me.”
Four career counselors competed on the board. They represented 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
In order to compete, each soldier had to be in good mental and physical standing, be a staff sergeant or sergeant first class, meet their unit’s retention goal, and be recommended by the brigade’s senior career counselor.
Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, 3rd Infantry Division command sergeant major, presided over the board. He addressed all of the participants and commented on their importance.
“You all are winners because you’re here,” he said. “We have some of the top notch career counselors that the Army has to offer right here in 3rd ID. You, soldiers, are the crème of the crop that allows us to maintain the Army’s strength.”
For the competing soldiers, it entailed more than just studying. Some of the troops came from central and south Iraq taking numerous flights, travelling two or three days to compete for the title of best career counselor for the 3rd Infantry Division
“That speaks volumes of their dedication to want to compete on this board and do well,” said Sgt. Maj. Luis Rivera, command career counselor for the 3rd Infantry Division and Task Force Marne, who also sat on the board.
And out of this elite group of career counselors, Cabrera was the one soldier who impressed the board more than any other.
“Staff Sgt. Cabrera did awesome,” said Rivera, of Comerio, Puerto Rico. “He was able to articulate the answers to the questions, he was very confident and knowledgeable of not just retention, but current events and Army programs.”
Rivera added his thoughts on why being a career counselor is so important.
“You are the honest broker for the command in taking care of the soldiers and their families,” he said. “You are the person people come to for answers on their career options. The career counselor is one of the most important jobs in the Army, we help soldiers make the most difficult decisions in their careers.”
It is that dedication that helped Cabrera obtain this award.
Cabrera will represent 3rd ID at the Forces Command Career Counselor Board at Fort McPherson, Ga., in September.
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