CHICAGO (08/07/2015)(readMedia)-- Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Hacker of Rock Falls, Illinois, was recognized as the 2014 Transportation Corps Reserve Component Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year July 31 at the Transportation School at Fort Lee, Virginia.
Hacker was recognized for his distinguished service, significant contributions and performance in support of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.
He has worked in the Transportation Corps for 15 years and now serves as the readiness NCO for the Illinois National Guard's 1644th Transportation Company, based in Rock Falls, Illinois.
Hacker said he believes the award is representative of his entire career not only form his efforts, but also from leaders and Soldiers he has worked with over the years.
"This accomplishment is not just what I did," said Hacker. "It a culmination of the commissioned and noncommissioned leaders I've served under, the Soldiers I've lead and worked with down to my first squad leader, who showed me what being an transportation NCO meant. This award represents who I am because of good leadership and Soldiers."
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 was nominated by his commanders, who submit a packet detailing his distinguished service, significant contributions and performance in support of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.
Capt. Linden Allen of Ann Arbor, Michigan, commander of the 1644th Trans. Co. said Hacker is a highly dedicated NCO.
"Hacker sets the standard for the Illinois National Guard and the Army as a whole," said Allen.
Maj. Shaun Nokes, of Quincy, Illinois, the executive officer with the 1144th Transportation Battalion based in Delavan, Illinois, said during the last four years the reserve component officers or NCOs of the year who have been recognized have come from the ranks and subordinate units of the 1144th.
"The Illinois National Guard Transportation Corps is filled with some of the best of the best in the field," said Nokes. "It's these distinguished leaders who will continue to train and guide our future generations of transportation Soldiers out there on the roads spearheading logistics."
