FORT HOOD, Texas - After competing against other equal opportunity advisors during a three-day competition, III Corps’ Master Sgt. Jose Rosario was named the United States Army Forces Command Equal Opportunity Advisor of the Year.
“It felt almost like a dream,” Rosario said about winning the competition. “It was a speechless moment. When the sergeant major mentioned my name, that I had won, I had no words.”
Rosario represented III Corps from July 20-23 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where the competitors were tested on their physical fitness, evaluated based on their knowledge of equal opportunity procedures and competed in a board.
The III Corps EO advisor said one part of the competition involved role-players, who would come in with an issue and the competitors were evaluated on how they handled the situations put forth.
“It put the stress on you to see how you would react to real-world situations,” he explained. “The competition definitely made us better.”
Rosario was selected as the III Corps representative because of his accomplishments throughout the year. Lt. Col. Miranda Craig, III Corps’ Military Equal Opportunity program manager, said Rosario performed as the III Corps MEO sergeant major for more than nine months. Rosario was instrumental in making changes in support of Operation People First.
“He enhanced relationships and helped drive cultural change in support of Operation People First by developing guides for listening sessions and facilitating discussions on racism and sexism,” Craig said. “Additionally, he was directly involved in the planning of Supporting Warrior Action Team Training to combat negative behaviors and build cohesive teams.”
A veteran Soldier with 22 years under his belt, Rosario entered the Army as a human resources specialist. During his career, he has deployed four times, all from Fort Hood. He has served as a Defense courier in Germany, and a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, but his favorite role has been training and educating Soldiers.
“Passing on my knowledge and experience to the next generation is priceless,” Rosario said.
Sgt. Maj. LaMeka Franklin, III Corps MEO sergeant major, described him as a humble leader who loves to help others and exemplifies selfless service.
“He is a person who loves what he does – educating Soldiers at every level on treating others with dignity and respect, and enlightening them on how to build bridges that connect us all together,” Franklin said about her Soldier.
Rosario said the competition was a great experience because of the other EO advisors he met and learned from through their shared experiences.
“I’m glad I could bring this back to Fort Hood, to III Corps,” he added. “Something positive and something to be proud of.”
The III Corps Equal Opportunity Office is located at III Corps Headquarters, Bldg. 1001, Room W208. Rosario urged people to not be afraid to come see them for assistance.
“We’re here for a purpose,” he added. “Please utilize us a resource, instead of a rescue.”
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