DIYALA, Iraq - The best of the best from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division gathered at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq, to compete against each other for the title of the Best Soldier or the Best Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, April 10.

Emerging victorious after a series of skill tests and going before a board of brigade leaders were Spc. Bret Engle, of Phoenix, Ariz., and a dismounted cavalry scout with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 3 SBCT, 2nd ID who won Soldier of the Quarter, and Sgt. Eric Moline, a native of Spring Creek, Nev., and a section chief for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery Regiment, 3 SBCT, 2nd ID, who won the title of NCO of the Quarter.

"It feels really good to get here after coming all this way," said Engle.

The freshly crowned Soldier of the Quarter has been doing his part to help run tripartite checkpoints and conduct tripartite operations at FOB Cobra. After his time in the Army he plans on going to law school and venturing into politics.

"It was a really fun competition, and it feels good to bring one home for the Red Lions," said Sgt. Moline

Moline has been in the Army for more than four years He joined the Army right out of rough time in high school and has been doing good ever since, said Sgt. Moline.

To get these titles, they had to beat their peers by demonstrating their knowledge of how to evaluate and treat a casualty; call for indirect fire; perform level 1 combatives, and how to use communication equipment.

They also had to demonstrate their proficiency on the firing range, firing not only their weapons, but also an M9 pistol, which many were unfamiliar with.

"I had used it one other time before today," said Engle. "I used one at [FOB] Cobra, we went to the Special Forces compound and their weapons sergeant gave me a 45 minute class, and that helped me out a lot today."

Even though only one Soldier and one NCO walked away with the title, 3 SBCT 2nd ID Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Alan Bjerke, congratulated all the contestants for successfully completing the path to get them to this competition.

"You guys are the best of the best," said Bjerke. "You all had to win the competition for your battalions. You are all winners."