FORT EUSTIS, Va., (USTCNS) --- Winning selection as the Military Traffic Management Command’s top NCO of 2003 was a family support event for Staff Sgt. SiSi Fuluvaka.

Fuluvaka’s wife and children would quiz him with questions to prepare for the competition. He also got help from fellow NCOs and civilian coworkers.

“There can only be one player and one coach but it’s a team effort,” said Fuluvaka, operations NCO, with the 599th Transportation Group, Wheeler Army Air Field, Hawaii. “The soldiers, civilians, the command - I could not do it by myself.”

Fuluvaka entered the Army in April 1987 and, following basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., completed the cargo specialist course at Fort Eustis, Va.

Competition for this year’s selection was “a dead heat,” said Command Sgt. Maj. James Morgan.

“It was a dead heat until the very last day,” said Morgan. “It is always competitive but this was especially so.”

Fuluvaka was in a tight competition with Sgt. Valencia Anders, of the 598th Transportation Group, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

A board of MTMC sergeant majors made the final selection July 27-29 at the MTMC Operations Center, Fort Eustis, Va.

“The competition was stiff¾there are no winners and losers,” said Morgan. “We all win, but only one soldier can be MTMC NCO of the Year.”

All soldiers in the rank of corporal through sergeant first class, with less than 18 years service, are eligible to compete.

Soldiers are questioned in such skill areas as land navigation, military leadership and the NCO creed, said Morgan.

“In all we review 27 military expertise areas,” said Morgan. “It is quite a workout for the soldiers before the panel.”

Selection of Fuluvaka as MTMC’s NCO of the year made him eligible for all-Army competition. Subsequently, Fuluvaka placed fourth in competition with NCOs at the National Capital Region Board, which comprises the Major Army Commands in the Greater Washington area.

“MTMC can be proud of this NCO,” said Morgan. “He is setting an example for other NCOs throughout this command and the Army.”

Fuluvaka has received numerous military awards, including the Meritorious Service medal, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Fuluvaka, and his wife, Michelle, have three sons; Latu, Nathan and Sione.