WASHINGTON – Sgt. 1st Class Paul Pratt of New Gloucester has been named regional Army National Guard Soldier of the Year. Pratt, who won the honor for the 1st Army North, was among four soldiers in the country to be selected for their respective regions. One of the four will be picked in the fall as the nation’s soldier of the year.

“Sergeant Pratt clearly represents the high quality of individuals that the Maine National Guard has among its ranks both at home and abroad,” said U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in announcing the award.

Pratt was honored at a ceremony May 25 at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C.

He has 20 years of service in the Army National Guard and has received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal and many others.

He is assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Command at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Portland. Pratt graduated from Husson College in 1994.