Iowa Soldier named Transportation NCO of the Year
JOHNSTON, Iowa – Sgt. 1st Class Rebecca Kasuboski, a motor transport operator assigned to the Iowa National Guard’s 1133rd Transportation Company, has been recognized as the Motor Transport Operator (88M) Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year across the Army National Guard and Army Reserve components.
The award is one of the highest honors a motor transport operator can receive, recognizing excellence in transportation operations and logistical coordination.
Kasuboski earned the distinction for her leadership during one of the largest and most complex transportation operations in Iowa National Guard history: preparing the 2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division for mobilization to Fort Polk’s Joint Readiness Training Center and its subsequent deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
During the operation, Kasuboski served in several positions, including line-haul noncommissioned officer in charge, unit movement officer and squad leader with the 1133rd Transportation Company. Across those roles, she helped synchronize air, rail and ground movements for personnel and equipment traveling from more than 90 locations across 20 states.
The scale of the mission demanded experience, adaptability and a willingness to take on new challenges: qualities Kasuboski has developed throughout her 16-year career with the 1133rd Transportation Company.
“I recommend taking any opportunity that comes to you, because that’s how you learn and grow,” said Kasuboski.
She put that philosophy into practice throughout the months leading up to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division’s rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center. Kasuboski guided more than 50 unit movement officers from 20 states through the transportation planning process while supporting operations that accumulated more than 330,000 miles across multiple states.
Her responsibilities extended beyond coordinating movements. Kasuboski helped ensure 166 containers were properly loaded and secured while also helping manage more than $15 million in transportation costs.
After months of planning and coordination, the operation came to fruition in June 2025, when approximately 5,000 Soldiers successfully made the journey to the Joint Readiness Training Center. Shortly afterward, approximately 2,000 Iowa Soldiers deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
The successful movement of thousands of Soldiers and millions of dollars’ worth of equipment was a testament to the work conducted behind the scenes by Kasuboski.
Leaders across the Iowa National Guard recognized her performance as exceeding the expectations of her rank and position.
“Her ability to manage complex logistical operations with precision and professionalism is unmatched,” said Capt. Nathan Hoeger, commander of the 1133rd Transportation Company. “Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring the success of the 2/34 IBCT’s deployment.”
For Kasuboski, the recognition reflects more than one successful mission. It represents years of experience, a willingness to embrace challenges and a commitment to ensuring Soldiers and equipment get where they need to be, when they need to be there.
Her leadership and dedication helped make the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division’s mobilization and deployment possible, leaving a lasting mark on the Iowa National Guard’s transportation and logistical operations.
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