Soldier of the Quarter, Q42025

[1st Lt. C. Henderson]

Quarter Four - September, 2025

Technician Fourth Grade Nelson York

Technician Fourth Grade Nelson York joined the 101st Airborne Division Realism Unit on July 29th, 2024 where he was first assigned as a Rifleman in Second Squad, First Platoon. Technician Fourth Grade Nelson York made an immediate impression on his leadership and fellow squad members as a positive and outgoing person with a devilish streak.

 

Since then, T/4 York has been an outstanding demonstrator of core values and principles the 101st Airborne Division holds dearly; Trusting, Loyal, Competent, Confident, a guiding hand for some - an open ear for others. His contributions to staff shops since early 2025 has been a massive boon to discipline and morale of the Platoon - acting as a steady rock for many around him. Here's to Technician Fourth Grade Nelson York

Airborne!

Why did you join the 101st Airborne Division?

I joined the 101st because I wanted to join a like minded group in doing re-enactment esc Arma ops that tied in with the Period of World History that I love learning about.

Any favorite/funny/memorable moment throughout our whole time in the unit?

Personally one of the most memorable moments throughout my time in the unit was during Operation Market Garden (with the 23rd Panzer Division) where we (the 101st were playing as a Airborne Field Artillery Regiment) and the Chaos from the Glider Landings and the subsequent holding of the line with our Artillery guns using them as Anti Tank guns to hold back the 23rd, where it showed the dedication and ferocity of my fellow teammates in doing what we could to stay the 23rd advance.

What value is most important to you? Why?

The most Important Value to myself is Integrity, regardless what we do it is important to do the right thing and in doing so, we might at times be forced out of what we see as our comfort zone and in order to do what we see as right you must be courageous to fight those difficulties and have the conviction to persevere.

What motivates you? 

What motivates me is honestly the friendships I have made both within the Unit and Outside the Unit, before this unit and some of the people I met I saw playing Arma as being a hassle, I had the "Do I really want to do this" mindset, but after opening up and meeting some of the fellas in the 101st, I now look at every time before Ops (Main Op, Side Op, Fun Op, etc) as being motivated and excited because I get to play a game with people who I find to be fun and at times hilarious to play with. From the jokes we crack to the screams of agony from a gun shot the friends I have made here are what motivate me to get through the week just so I can hangout with them when I can.

What would you say about the progress of the unit, and how you've contributed to it?

The progress in the unit as of recently has had some subtle bumps from changes in structure (i.e. key leaders losing availability due to IRL things) however the unit looks to still be going strong as we have new junior leaders and squad leaders that have the confidence in what they are doing which increases the confidents of the rest of the squad and player base, Previously I was part of the Instructor team  and with that I assisted with training and trained new players in the group which has "trained" our new players to understand at least the basics on how the 101st works during operations and motivate them to push themselves to do better. As of right now I just hang with my 2nd Squad fellas and honestly just try to help keep spirits up by trying to crack jokes or find anyway just to make them feel good about playing Arma.

Any valuable lessons you have learned while being in the unit?

The lessons I have learned so far in the unit is primarily just to get out of your comfort zone every now and then, try out new things whether it is attending a Unit Class like Signal School, BLC, Heavy Weapons, etc., bring out the best of yourself by learning more as what it does is give some relief to leaders as they then have a more confident and competent members of their squad.