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Winchester native Staff Sgt. Andrew Jenkins is distinguished graduate

Published Jan. 9, 2007

Winchester native Staff Sgt. Andrew Jenkins was recently selected as the distinguished graduate of the Advanced Topographic Analyst Course during a graduation ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va. Jenkins is assigned to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center’s (ERDC) Topographic Engineering Center (TEC), Alexandria, Va. He is the noncommissioned officer in charge of TEC’s Military Support Team.

The 14-week course is offered at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s National Geospatial-Intelligence College at the post. Jenkins attended the School of Geospatial Intelligence. He accumulated 538 hours of studies in courses, such as advanced topographic analysis and cartography; interpretation of terrain analysis databases; introduction to geographic information systems and exploitation; and introduction to the Digital Topographic Support System, among others.

"Staff Sergeant Jenkins is an exemplary noncommissioned officer who excels in a wide range of missions, from performing detailed analysis and briefing Army senior leaders, to training Soldiers to operate the Digital Topographic Support System prior to deployment," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Harper, TEC’s military deputy/adviser.

In January 2006, Jenkins joined TEC. He was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant in February. Previously, he was assigned to the 25 th Engineer Detachment, 25th Infantry Division (ID) (Light) (L) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While stationed there, he deployed with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID L in support of Operation Iraq Freedom 2.

Since joining the Army more than four years ago, Jenkins has earned the Army Commendation Medal (second award), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He has also earned the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.

The ERDC is the premier research and development facility for the Corps of Engineers. It consists of seven laboratories at four geographical sites, with more than 2,000 employees, $1.2 billion in facilities, and an annual research program approaching $700 million. It conducts research in both military and civil works mission areas for the Department of Defense and the nation.


Release no. 07-019