FORT NOVOSEL, Ala. — The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE) recognized its top competitors at the Best Squad/Best Warrior Competition, the AVCOE Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year, and the AVCOE Soldier of the Year during a ceremony held at Howze Field on March 6, 2025.
The ceremony capped off a challenging week of events designed to test participants’ proficiency in fundamental soldiering tasks, Warrior Ethos, and physical and mental endurance. Competitors demonstrated their tactical, medical, and soldiering skills at Fort Novosel before embarking on a ride aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where they navigated the 7th Special Forces Group’s obstacle course, a rigorous test of physical stamina and perseverance.
A Test of Excellence and Determination
Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill, commanding general of both AVCOE and Fort Novosel, congratulated the winners for their outstanding performances. He noted that all of the competitors had displayed exceptional skill and dedication during the competition.
“I am really proud of our Best Squad/Best Warrior competitors–all of them. They embody the warfighting ethos of being a Soldier first and a tactically proficient, physically and mentally fit Aviation Soldier and leader. They stepped up and took on the challenging week of hard Army skills competitions and demonstrated grit, determination, and commitment to compete and win at the highest levels,” he said.
Award Recipients
AVCOE Best Squad: The 128th Aviation Brigade “Born Under Fire” Squad was awarded the title of Best Squad. This elite team consisted of:
- Staff Sgt. Tyler O. Barbour
- Staff Sgt. Jared R. Lollar
- Sgt. Krystian L. Doss
- Sgt. Angel P. Prodromitis
- Spc. Jeffrey A. Ryan
AVCOE Noncommissioned Officer of the Year: Staff Sgt. Jared R. Lollar, from the 128th Aviation Brigade at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, was recognized for his exceptional leadership and performance throughout the competition.
AVCOE Soldier of the Year: Spc. Cody L. Voyles, from the 110th Aviation Brigade, was awarded the title of Soldier of the Year for his outstanding performance across all events.
Words of Praise
Col. Clinton R. Cody, the AVCOE Chief of Staff, served as the ceremony host, commending all the participants for their perseverance and commitment to excellence.
“Warfighting is what our country asks of us. It is what we do. And each one of you has proven that you are ‘Above the Best,’” he stated.
Participants and Their Achievements
This year’s competition saw 25 Soldiers from a variety of Army aviation units, including Fort Novosel’s 1st and 110th Aviation Brigades, Joint Base Langley-Eustis’ 128th Aviation Brigade, 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group, and for the first time, a squad from Lyster Army Health Clinic.
The competition serves as a testament to the strength, discipline, and excellence of the soldiers who serve in the U.S. Army, with these honorees setting the standard for future generations of soldiers.
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