National Guard promotes New to sergeant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo -- Paul New, of Cape Girardeau, was recently promoted from the rank of specialist to sergeant in the Missouri National Guard.

New, 30, has been with the Missouri National Guard since January 2007 and serves as a cook with 1140th Engineer Battalion's Forward Support Company.

In addition to his cook duties on drill weekends and his two-week annual training, New is a full-time Guard employee and works as the battalion supply technician. His job is to assist the battalion supply sergeant and tracks gear and equipment from discharged Soldiers.

New also assists all the supply sergeants in the battalion, making frequent trips to state headquarters to turn in or retrieve gear. He also conducts financial liability investigations of property loss.

"I'm really excited about the promotion," New said. "When you jump to sergeant, there's responsibility that comes with it. You have people under you and you have to set the standard for them, as far as physical training and weapons qualifications. You're a leader and you want to give them something to strive for. I look forward to those challenges."

New was promoted during the 1140th's February drill. He was pinned by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kenny Heise, who was acting commander of the company while the company commander was away at a leadership conference.

New's unique background makes him a tremendous asset to the company, said Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Allred, the unit's readiness noncommissioned officer. Allred pointed to the fact that New is a licensed chef, which helps him perform his duties as a cook at a much higher level. New was the chef at Indigo, a restaurant operated in downtown Cape Girardeau, before it closed.

"He brings that experience to the table," Allred said. "That improves the quality of the meals, the care factor, the sanitation -- all aspects. He's very deserving of this promotion."

New is a 1997 graduate of Central High School in Cape Girardeau. New is currently attending American Military University, taking online courses toward a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a minor in history. New attended basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., and went to advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Va.

New is supported in his military career by his wife, Danielle Bronaugh, and his two daughters, Taylor, 6, and Addison, 2., and his father, Paul New, Sr.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.

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For more information about this release, please contact Scott Moyers at 573-339-6237 or at scott.moyers1@us.army.mil.