'Fearless, selfless': 7th Special Forces Group alum named Army Times Soldier of the Year 2022
EGLIN AFB – U.S. Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery, a special forces commissioned officer formerly assigned to 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), was recognized as the Army Times Soldier of the Year this month.
"Nick is the epitome of a warrior-scholar that we all aspire," said Col. Kevin Trujillo, the 7th Group's commander. "Fearless in combat, selfless in action, always bettering himself and his community, this humble hero’s story serves as an inspiration to those who serve and those who aspire to serve.
"His story transcends all backgrounds and walks of life and depicts the goodness of our all-volunteer Army," Trujillo added. “He is a staunch reminder of the importance of a higher call, of serving something greater than oneself. We look forward to having Nick return to 7th Group to continue leading Green Berets.”
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A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Dockery entered the Army National Guard in 2004 and after completing Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training, he received assignment to the 151st Infantry Regiment in Darlington.
In 2005, he transferred to the New Mexico National Guard, attended New Mexico Military Institute and joined the school’s ROTC program.
Dockery declined a Commission with the National Guard in order to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Dockery commissioned in 2011 as an Infantry officer upon graduating from West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree.
After completion of Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course and follow-on training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Dockery received orders to Fort Carson, Colorado, with 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Light), 4th Infantry Division. Upon arrival, then 1st Lt. Dockery, deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
During heavy fighting, Dockery was wounded by hand grenades and rocket propelled grenades but remained in country and completed the deployment as a Platoon Leader. Upon redeploying, Dockery assumed duties as the Delta Company Executive Officer.
In 2014, Maj. Dockery returned to Afghanistan initially working as Base Defense Executive Officer and later as a Sustainment and Logistical Adviser to an Afghan Battalion at Forward Operating Base Apache, Zabul Province (RC-South).
He then completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2015 and assumed command of ODA 7214, A Co., 2nd Battalion, 7th SFG(A). He deployed in 2017 with his ODA in support of the Resolute Support Mission in northern Afghanistan while assigned to 7th SFG(A).
Dockery's military awards and decorations include the Silver Star Medal (1OLC), Bronze Star Medal (2OLC), Purple Heart (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal with "C" Device (1OLC) and Army Achievement Medal with "C" Device (1OLC),
He also earned the National Defense Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2CS), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Basic Parachutist Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, and the Military Freefall Parachutists Badge.
Dockery now is completing a Master of Arts in Global Affairs at the Jackson Institute at Yale University.
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Eglin alum U.S. Army Maj. Dockery named Army Times Soldier of the Year
