Rep. Swalwell Recognizes Sgt. Jason Manella of Hayward for Winning Army NCO of the Year

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-15) today honored Sergeant 1st Class Jason Manella of Hayward on the House Floor for winning the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award during the Army's Best Warrior Competition. The Army's Best Warrior Competition is a three-day event that tests a soldier's physical and mental toughness. Sergeant Manella is the first ever reservist to win this prestigious Army-wide title.

"Congratulations to Sgt. Jason Manella on this impressive achievement. He represents the best and brightest among us, and overcame serious setbacks to win this grueling competition. Sgt. Manella's service and success can be an inspiration to all us, and I am honored to represent him in the U.S. Congress," said Rep. Swalwell.

Video of the speech and the transcript are below:

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"Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Sergeant First Class Jason Manella who recently won the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award last week during the Army's Best Warrior Competition. Jason is from my district in Fremont, CA, and recently moved, within my district, to Hayward, CA. The Army's Best Warrior Competition is a three-day event that tests a soldier's physical and mental toughness. Sergeant Manella is the first ever reservist to win this prestigious Army-wide title.

"Sergeant Manella is a member of the Reserve's 445th Civil Affairs Battalion based in Mountain View; and while serving in Afghanistan in 2012, Sergeant Manella had his convoy attacked. And while it was attacked, it left him with a traumatic brain injury. Sergeant Manella's story is one of hope and the power of resilience.

"As part of Sergeant Manella's recovery, he focused on training for the Army's Best Warrior Competition. Back in August of this year, I had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan. I was able to meet soldiers, men and women serving from California's 15th Congressional District. Over in Afghanistan I saw first-hand what our men and women in the armed services endure each day to make sure that we rid Afghanistan as a breeding ground for terrorism, and make sure that never again the United States is attacked from enemies created abroad.

"I am very thankful for the service of people like Sergeant Manella and those I met with while I was in Afghanistan. And I know that Operation Enduring Freedom has led to thousands of Americans being wounded who served over in Afghanistan and are healing today back home on their own path to recovery. Sergeant Manella's story is truly one that is uplifting for every soldier, man and woman, who is recovering.

"Congratulations again to Sergeant Manella. Your strength, your determination, and your character is an inspiration to thousands of other wounded men and women of our armed services."