Sergeant First Class Patrick Sharp, United States Army National Guard

2022 U.S. Missile Defender of the Year

Sergeant First Class Patrick Sharp’s military career began in June of 2009 when he enlisted in the Florida Army National Guard as a 14J, Air Defense C4I Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator / Maintainer. SFC Sharp has served as a team chief, a Sentinel Section Sergeant, Sentinel Platoon Sergeant, Air Defense Instructor, Air Defense Course Manager, Air Defense Deputy Branch Manager, ADA School Quality Assurance NCO, and The ADA Subject Matter Expert for National Guard Bureau TRI Team.

SFC Sharp has mobilized under Operation Enduring Freedom supporting the National Capital Region mission as a Tactical Control Assistant for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) in 2010. Again in 2012 he also mobilized in support of the NCR-IADS mission supporting the Minimum Deployment Package (MDP) who is tasked with supporting the office of the President of the United States.

SFC Sharp has completed Senior Leaders Course and was selected as the honor graduate of SLC class 301-17. He has also successfully completed the Army Space Cadre Basic Course, Mission Command Digital Master Gunner Course, and the Air Defense Airspace Management / Brigade Aviation Element Course. SFC Sharp holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University.

SFC Sharp is nominated for the DOY award because he has been an integral part to the continued success of 1st Battalion, 211 Regiment as an instructor, course developer, quality assurance NCO, leader, and mentor for the Regional Training Institute (RTI), Florida Army National Guard (FLARNG).

SFC Sharp’s scope of influence is not limited to those in his chain of command. He is known to develop and guide other Soldiers from adjacent FLARNG units to include individuals from external organizations. For all intents and purposes, SFC Patrick Sharp IS a FLARNG ADA SME. His dedication and commitment to excellence as a Non-commissioned Officer within the Air Defense community as well his service to his unit, is second to none. He is of the highest character and a quiet professional whose dedication to service and commitment to excellence has no equal.

Defenders of the Year