Virginia recruiters named top in the region

Three Virginia Army National Guard recruiters were named top in the region following a meeting of Region II’s Strength Maintenance Advisory Group, or SMAG, Nov. 16, 2023, in Washington. Sgt. 1st Class David Sanford was named the region’s top recruiting noncommissioned officer, 1st Sgt. Thomas Clarke was named the region’s top section chief, and Staff Sgt. Tyler Voogd was named the top rookie recruiter for 2023.

“The SMAG sweep truly showcases what Virginia has to offer regarding the [recruiting and retention] NCOs that we’re producing,” Clarke said. “Sweeping the SMAG is a significant accomplishment for Virginia and an accomplishment we should all be very proud of.”

Both Clarke and Sanford competed at the regional SMAG boards in previous years and for them, the experience was familiar. Clarke, who won at the regional level last year as well, said his studying was “the same as last year,” and that he went into the boards feeling more comfortable and confident this time around. Sanford was named the runner-up in 2021 and considered this year to be his “redemption tour.”

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Leaders and recruiters from the Virginia Army National Guard pose together in front of the U.S. Capitol Nov. 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. after three Virginia recruiters were named top in the region.