Army Guard Specialist Ozlem Saval, a Bronx resident, is recognized as outstanding Soldier while serving in Kuwait

Camp Arifjan, Kuwait (03/04/2023) — New York Army National Guard Specialist Ozlem Saval, a resident of Adee Avenue in the Bronx who is serving in Kuwait, has been recognized for her service by the 369th Sustainment Brigade.

Sayal, who is a paralegal in the 369th Sustainment Brigade headquarters, was recognized as Sustainer of the Week during a February 21, 2023 ceremony held by Command Sgt. Major Curtiss Ross, the brigade's senior enlisted leader, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

She was chosen for the honor because of her excellent work on projects and investigations undertaken by the brigade legal section.

Saval, who is originally from Istanbul, Turkey, enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2020.

Her goal is to serve as a commissioner officer and to deploy overseas again during her military career.

Saval said she appreciates the fact that Army values integrity in Soldiers.

I have never compromised my values," she said. "I prefer adjusting in the absence of something rather than damage my reputation," she added.

The 369th Sustainment Brigade is headquartered at the Harlem Armory on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The brigade can provide logistics and other support to a number of Army units. The brigade's Soldiers are deployed to Kuwait in support of Task Force Spartan, an Army force of 10,000 Soldiers operating in the Middle East.

The 369th Sustainment Brigade traces its history to the 369th Infantry Regiment of World War I. This was an African-American New York National Guard unit which fought with the French Army.

The regiment's Soldiers distinguished themselves in combat and earned their nickname of "The Harlem Hellfighters" from their German opponent on the battlefield.

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Spc. Ozlem Sayal, a paralegal specialist with the 369th Sustainment Brigade of the New York Army National Guard, is recognized as the Hellfighter Sustainer of the Week during a ceremony conducted by Command Sgt. Maj Curtis Moss, senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the brigade at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Feb. 21, 2023. Spc. Sayal was chosen because she demonstrates confidence and competence far above her rank, having worked on numerous investigations and projects within the legal section. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sebastian Rothwyn)