Eric Olsen joined the Army in 1995 knowing he would make a career in service to this country.

"I knew I would stay in," the 1st Sgt. of HHC, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division said as we sat in his small but squared away office. 

"The recruiter didn't have to work hard to recruit me. I wanted to join."

1st Sgt. John Ordway wanted to join the Army too.

Sometimes referred to as the "indispensable soldier," in 1804 Ordway was one of the Army's first to volunteer to serve with Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, commanders, Corps of Volunteers for Northwest Discovery.

Ordway's military bearing and education - a rarity in those days - soon led to his being named the first sergeant of the expedition.

"I joined the Army for the adventure," Olsen added.

So had Ordway.

During the 863 days of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Ordway kept a journal and made an entry on each day.

"Some cloudy & cold for the Season.  The wind continues high from the west off the mountains," Ordway wrote on Thursday, June 20, 1805 - 213 years ago today. 

His journal entries did not dwell on personalities - Ordway spoke only to the facts at hand as he recorded the events the expedition faced.

His quiet strength, presence of mind and dedication to task won Ordway the respect of the soldiers he led.  When Lewis and Clark were away, Ordway commanded the expedition.

"The party shall consider themselves under the immediate command of Sgt. Ordway," wrote Capt. Lewis on Feb. 20, 1804.

He oversaw the issuing of provisions, appointing guard duties, maintaining morale and discipline, and keeping records.

When asked about these duties, Olsen smiled and said, "I am deliberate in my work.  Duty is the most important value to me."

He paused for a moment and then continued.

"I lead by example; I don't believe in yelling at Soldiers; I am very deliberate in what I say and do; and I surprise people when I do yell."

In other words, Olsen leads through quiet example in preparing the Soldiers under his leadership.

For his work and dedication to duty, Ordway became the first enlisted Soldier to have a statue made in his honor.

The Sergeant Ordway statue is co-located with one of Captain Meriwether Lewis inside the main gate at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Ordway set an example that Olsen follows; as such he is this year's winner of the Sgt. John Ordway Award, given to the Army's top 1^st Sergeant.

"I've never forgotten the lessons - good and bad - that I've learned since joining," Olsen said. 

"And I believe in giving everything I have and know to those I serve with."

So did Ordway.