Eric Swalwell: “Today I rise to recognize Sergeant First Class Jason Manella, who recently won the Non- Commissioned Officer of the Year…”

“Today I rise to recognize Sergeant First Class Jason Manella, who recently won the Non- Commissioned Officer of the Year Award last week during the Army's best warrior competition. Jason is from my district in Fremont, California, and recently moved within my district to Hayward, California. The Army's best warrior competition is a 3-day event that tests the soldier's physical and mental toughness. Sergeant Manella is the first ever reservist to win this prestigious Army-wide title. Sergeant Manella is a member of the Reserve's 445th Civil Affairs Battalion based in Mountain View. While serving in Afghanistan in 2012, Sergeant Manella had his convoy attacked. While it was attacked, it left him with a traumatic brain injury. Sergeant Manella's story is one of hope and the power of resilience. As part of Sergeant Manella's recovery, he focused on training for the Army's Best Warrior Competition. Back in August of this year, I had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan. I was able to meet with soldiers, men and women, serving from California's 15th Congressional District. Over in Afghanistan, I saw firsthand what our men and women in the armed services endure each day to make sure that we rid Afghanistan as a breeding ground for terrorism and make sure that never again the United States is attacked from enemies created abroad. I am very thankful for the service of people like Sergeant Manella and those I met with while I was in Afghanistan.…”