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Spc. Amberly Bailey
Spc. Amberly Bailey is on quite a streak.
Earlier this month, on Jan. 17, the 22-year-old military policeman with 1st Military Police Company was named Task Force Falcon Soldier of the Quarter.
It was the fourth board she has won in as many tries. She was 1st MP Soldier of the Month, 1st MP Soldier of the Quarter, and the 793rd Miltary Police Battalion Soldier of the Quarter.
Perhaps the most amazing detail about Bailey's string of wins is that she had never competed in a board before. Her secret? Determination, an indomitable work ethic and a Texas upbringing.
I think Texans in general are really patriotic,she said.After Sept. 11 we were just angry, and I wanted to help.
It did not take long for her leadership to recognize her.
She's the shortest person in the company and she's the toughest person in the company,said Jonathan Brown, her first sergeant.We are extremely proud of her. She represents the platoon, the company, and all the people back in Schweinfurt, (Germany).
Bailey's platoon sergeant, Martin Traylor, said that she exemplifies the quality of military policemen in Kosovo.
It helped that Bailey learned the benefits of hard work at an early age. She began playing sports at age 5 in her hometown of Cleburne, Texas. She excelled in high school. Her volleyball team was a regional finalist and her cheerleading squad ranked third in the United States.
My parents getting me involved with sports was a great benefit to me,said Bailey.I'm used to the kind of competitiveness that drives me to better myself.
Bailey joined the Army Reserves in May 2000, inspired by her grandfather who was a military policeman in Korea. She went on active duty in January 2002, which she said had a lot to do with the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001.
For her board, Bailey concentrated on history, common task training, and learning field manuals and army regulations. She received a little coaching from Sgt. Dave Cockran, her team leader with the 1st MPs.
Bailey said that she sacrificed almost every moment of her free time and stayed up more than a few late nights studying for the board.
Once I knew I could be Task Force Falcon Soldier of the Quarter, I decided that I hadn't come this far to lose, she said.
If her mission allows, Bailey hopes to compete in the 1st Infantry Division's upcoming boards.
Regardless, she knows a bright future is waiting for her.
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