Iris Oca and Dora Cumpian were honored for their dedication to their students as well as to the US Army for providing the guidance and assistance to the most students in their respective programs and encouraging them to try the US Military as an effective starting point in life and an opportunity to get quality education and training which will ultimately benefit them, their country and their future families.

We get complimented all the time by people who say 'Thank you for your service', more so in war time and when there's conflict, but these people influence positive action every single day.  They make kids think about their choices and make better decisions based on not only their experience, but education plays a great part in that," stated First Sgt. Richter, "And of course by influencing them to take advantage of the opportunities that the Army can offer them, whether it's short term or after 25 years like myself, that's just shaping our communities.  They are going to come back."

Richter along with Sergeant First Class Nepal Ramirez, the Center Leader for the Del Rio Recruiting Center, Staff Sergeant Hector O. Piñeda and Staff Sergeant Raul Nuñez are those in charge of reporting to the high schools to speak with prospective soldiers. "There are a lot of opportunities for these young men and women in all branches of the military, but it's what they choose to do with those opportunities that's key.  The structure itself in the military gets you task-oriented and focuses them in the right direction."

"One day I'm going to leave the military, but the things I've learned and the people I've encountered have made me a better husband, father and citizen within my community," concluded Sergeant Richter who said he left very impressed with the caliber of people his recruiters are working with on a daily basis.

"There's more to the opportunities in the military and in the Army than running through the mud with a rifle.  We all know how to do it, but it takes a combined effort in a lot of different positions in order to make our military strong and effective across the world."