Alaska Soldiers celebrated the Army's 234th birthday instyle June 5, while recognizing its past and present noncommissionedofficers, who are considered to be the backbone of the nation's largest andoldest force.Nearly 350 people attended the 2009 Army Birthday All-Ranks Ball at theSheraton Anchorage Hotel in Anchorage. The ball, co-hosted by U.S. ArmyAlaska and the Association of the United States Army Last Frontier Chapter,put the spotlight firmly on the Army's Year of the Noncommissioned Officerand the young leader representing the command at the U.S. Army, PacificNoncommissioned Officer of the Year competition.AUSA Last Frontier Chapter president Rundy Galles said this is the chapter'sfirst ball to celebrate the Army's founding. Being that it coincides with theYear of the NCO, it was fitting to have a primary role for USARAK's NCO ofthe Year."In the end, being selected as the USARAK NCO of the Year has been thebiggest achievement yet in my Army career," said Staff Sgt. Neftali Bonilla,who was the event's main speaker. "I have gained the knowledge and hardenedmy skills that will help me overcome any obstacles that may lie ahead."Bonilla, of C Company, 123rd Aviation Intermediate Maintenance, earned thetitle of USARAK NCO of the Year in a multi-event contest May 3 through May 7at Fort Richardson. He left for Hawaii following the ball to compete in theUSARPAC Warrior Challenge '09 Competition, which started June 8 and ends June14.Reminders of the impacts of NCOs were presented throughout the event, toinclude mentions of outstanding leadership on the battlefield and a SergeantAudie Murphy Club presentation of "I am The Sergeant," which extolled theirvital role and responsibilities throughout history.The ball is one of the capstone Year of the NCO events being offered inUSARAK and across the Army
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