U.S Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Moeller, the Army’s 2016 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, is helping the U.S. Army Reserve celebrate its 109th birthday on April 23 in conjunction with events scheduled across the country to commemorate the force’s proud history and accomplishments.

Moeller, a decorated senior drill instructor and cavalry scout, won the Army’s coveted award in October by outscoring, at the Army Best Warrior Competition, nine elite Regular Army and Army National Guard competitors.

These outstanding soldiers were tested in urban warfare tactics, physical fitness, battle drills and other grueling events.

Moeller become the third Army Reserve soldier to earn this honor in four years. As NCO of the Year, he serves as an ambassador for the Total Army, exemplifying military service to other soldiers and the public.

Moeller joined the Army to serve his family, community and nation.

“I wanted to give back something to the country that gave me the greatest set of freedoms in history, and asked only that I honor it in return,” he said.

He completed three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan as a scout helicopter maintenance team leader, maintenance technical inspector, and Stryker platoon senior scout.

The 36-year-old Riverside, Calif., native has over 16 years of service in the Army Reserve. His brother, sister, stepfather, uncle and three grandfathers – two of whom each spent over 20 years in the Army and Marine Corps – contributed to his family’s proud tradition of military service.