And the winner is...! Spc. David Obray named the 2008 Dept. of the Army Soldier of the Year "Best Warrior"

- (From the top) - Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major Leon Caffie congratulates Spc. Obray.
- Spc. Obray poses with Gen. Peter Chiarelli, Army Vice Chief of Staff (left) and Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston.
- (L-R) Gen. Chiarelli, Spc. Obray, Staff Sgt. Michael Noyce Merino, NCO of the Year winner, and Sgt. Major of the Army Preston.
- Spc. Obray is congratulated again by Sgt. Major of the Army Preston in the receiving line.

Timothy L. Hale
Army Reserve Public Affairs

Obray's selection was made at the Sergeant Major of the Army luncheon at the Association of the United States Army annual convention today in Washington, D.C.

Obray defeated 11 other competitors in the Soldier of the Year category representing major Army commands by conquering urban warfare simulations, board interviews, essays, physical fitness tests and Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills relevant to today's current operating environment.

The 22 year-old Construction Equipment Repair Specialist with the 492nd Engineer Company, 414th Engineer Command is a senior at Winona State University. He is the President of the Student Association at WSU and is pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Law & Society and Business Law.

Weighing 300 pounds at age 16, Obray credits military discipline with giving him the courage and ability to become physically and mentally fit. Obray's brother and sister currently serve in the Army.

In the NCO of the Year competition, it was Staff Sgt. Michael Noyce Merino of the Montana Army National Guard taking top honors.

Read post-ceremony press conference story on Army.mil. (CLICK HERE)