They are first sergeants who put their soldiers and their soldiers’ families first.

Three first sergeants were recognized for their leadership at an annual Association of the U.S. Army’s Redstone-Huntsville Chapter luncheon at the Jackson Center.

First Sgt. Roland Lueras, 128th Military Police Company, Army National Guard; 1st Sgt. Briggitte Pierce, 5th Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve; and 1st Sgt. Lachelle Wiggins, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, were recognized and were presented the Sgt. John Ordway Leadership Award.

The 13th annual award ceremony, sponsored by the AUSA chapter, recognizes a first sergeant from each of three Army components – Regular Army, Army Reserve and Army National Guard.

Wiggins was unable to attend the luncheon because of her duties.

Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, adjutant general and commander of the Alabama Army and Air National Guard, was the keynote speaker.

She commended the awardees for being “truly great examples of Army leadership.”

“It is already an accomplishment being a first sergeant, but this award sets you apart from your peers,” Gordon told the recipients.

She also commended the chapter for recognizing all three Army components.

“It seems that today, probably more than ever, we are a united entity serving a unique role in the total Army force,” Gordon said.

The Sgt. John Ordway Award was created by the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter in 2005 on the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is named in honor of 1st Sgt. John Ordway who served as first sergeant for the expedition.

With the consent of Ordway’s descendants, the award is presented in recognition and appreciation of soldiers who go above and beyond in taking care of their fellow soldiers and their families.