Matthew Bledsoe is a busy man. He is pursuing a dual major in Electrical and Computer Engineering and expects to graduate in the Spring of 2012. In addition, he is a non-comissioned officer (NCO) in the US Army where he is currently engaged in a major competition for NCO of the Year.  There are numerous levels of competition as each unit selects their best soldier to represent them at the next higher level.  Matthew has competed in three separate events to reach his current standing of Military Intelligence Readiness Command (MIRC) NCO of the Year.  These competitions have consisted of writing essays, taking written exams covering a wide range of Army facts (Army history, leadership styles, equipment facts and capabilities, etc.), qualifying on the M16A2 rifle and M9 pistol, conducting timed road marches, performing land navigation during both day and night, hand-to-hand combat tournaments, leading a squad of troops through a simulated urban encounter, and finally a board interview with five Sergeant Majors where his uniform appearance, composure under pressure, and knowledge were all tested. Matthew will go on to represent MIRC at the US Army Reserve Command competition at Ft McCoy in July.  Matthew will compete against soldiers from all corners of the globe and every area of the Army Reserves. If he wins, he will be the US Army Reserve NCO of the year. So if you see Matthew in the hall, congratulate him on his accomplishment and wish him well in his upcoming competition.