Benson Receives Leadership Honor Award

St. Joseph’s Indian School of Chamberlain lifts up Private First Class Zachariah Joseph Benson, the sole recipient of the Honor Award of Outstanding Leadership at the Foxtrot Company, First Battalion – 48th Infantry Regiment graduation in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on April 9. The award exemplifies honor, initiative and loyalty. Benson was one of six individuals from his class of 215 who graduated with honors. He also received a challenge coin presented by his commanding officer to honor his service above and beyond the call of duty. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friends and family viewed the ceremony on-line through Facebook Live. All graduates acknowledged family and friends. Benson thanked his fiancée, Kelcey Long and his son, Liam for their support and expressed his desire to be home soon. Benson is with the HHD 109th RSG National Guard Unit in Rapid City.
He is the son of Stephanie Feltman and Charles Benson. Print Shop Manager Tommy Hopkins is thankful for Benson’s dedicated service and his strong work ethic. “I appreciate his ability to work independently in the print shop as well as the sacrifices he is willing to do for our country,” said Hopkins. Benson has worked at St. Joseph’s Indian School for two years and is a bindery operator in the Tipi Press print shop. He currently attends AIT in Fort Huachuca of Arizona to become an intel analyst.

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