FORT SILL, Okla.-- Soldiers across the Army strive for excellence pushing themselves to be the best at physical training or to improve themselves and excel at their warrior craft. Spc. Thomas Moreland, unit supply clerk for C Battery, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, recently excelled by winning the Forces Command Supply Excellence Award.

Moreland had to win both at the battalion and brigade level to get recommended for the Forces Command level. An inspection team came down from Fort Bragg, N.C. and did a thorough check of his supply system. The team looked at everything from hand receipts to his general logistics knowledge. They also inspected his arms room and made sure he didn't have any shortages.

Moreland said he was proud when he found out he won the completion.

"I didn't think I'd win. I was very happy when I found out I won, especially once I found out I beat out chief warrant officers, master sergeants, captains and majors," he said.

Moreland said it took a lot of hard work and dedication to win the award.

It's 100-percent knowledge of the job. You have to be totally dedicated to the unit level supply system, and have a love of the job," he said. "There were a lot of long hours, making sure everything was right and squared away. I worked from [6 a.m. to 7 p.m.] for about a month straight, but it was worth it and it definitely paid off."

1st Lt. Robert Mixon, C Battery, 4-3rd ADA executive officer, said the award speaks of Moreland's expertise in his job.

"I think it speaks extremely highly of his professionalism," he said.

Mixon said he is appreciative of all the effort Moreland made to win this competition.

"It never hurts to have someone who's proficient in his job in your ranks. It takes the weight off of other peoples' shoulders to know they have someone they can go to," Mixon said.

Moreland will not be able to compete at the Department of the Army level due to an upcoming deployment, but said he is proud of all he has accomplished.