SFC Zenalia Moses receives Iron Person and Distinguished Leadership Awards

Zenalia Moses

As an administrative specialist, most of what Zenalia Moses does in the military science department involves paperwork. She never thought she would become a candidate for an award that tested her physical limit and one that is usually given to men.

SFC Moses received the Iron Person Award when she attended the Soldier Support Institute’s Noncommissioned Officer Academy for a required, advanced course at Fort Jackson in July. In addition to taking test, teaching classes, and giving briefings, she had to participate in a regular physical training regime.

“Initially, you have to run two miles and do sit-ups and push-ups,” SFC Moses says. “You’re required to do 70 sit-ups, and for every sit-up over you get a point. I did 90. Those who exceed 300 points compete for the Iron Person Award.”

The Cocoa Beach, FL, native says she was honored to receive the Iron Person Award, particularly since she had to compete against men. She also received the Distinguished Honor Graduate Award and the Distinguished Leadership Award.

She was surprised to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award because the award is voted on by the peers, she says. The evaluation report stated that SFC Moses exceeded the course standards, which is done by only 20 percent of the class. Lt. Col. David W. Freeman, department chair and professor of military science, said that it is rare for a woman to receive this rating.

Honored and grateful of the awards, SFC Moses said she has obtained her goal in the military, but she won’t stop there. “I would like to make the rank of Master Sergeant or possibly Sergeant Major,” she says. “I don’t regret a day I came into the military.”

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