By Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs
SANTA FE, N.M. – Cadre at the Regional Training Institute graduated 77 students from the Basic Leader Course Class 008-19 during a packed June 25 ceremony here.
“This is the largest class we’ve had this year,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Garcia, the course manager.
Garcia said that the class had about 30 Army Reserve Soldiers along with students from the Regular Army and Army National Guard from all over the country, including New Mexico.
One such New Mexican was Sgt. Julio Ramirez, Jr., who is assigned to the Medical Detachment in Albuquerque. He won the Distinguished Leadership Award.
Spc. Francisco Villicana from Company B, 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry, in Rio Rancho, took home the Ironman Award for scoring 290 points on the Army Physical Fitness Test.
Spc. Andrew Carabajal of the 1209th Area Support Medical Company, also in Rio Rancho, won the SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention) Essay Award.
Spc. Zacahary Fabres, B/1-200 IN; Spc. Joshua Fenton, B/1-200 IN; and Spc. Grant Piccerillo, 44th Army Band (Albuquerque), were named to the Commandant’s List (top 20 percent of the class).
1st Sgt. Jesus Maestas of Company C, 3rd Battalion, 140th Aviation, served as the guest speaker. Maestas emphasized two points during his speech: “Perfect your craft. Always be ready.”
Staff Sgt. Timothy Lopez was selected as Instructor of the Cycle for the second consecutive month.
Cadre assigned to 1st Battalion, 515th Regiment (RTI), administer BLC. They will receive a new class of students next week.
