Tristan Rolfs honored with Award for Excellence ...

February 4 of this year, U.S. Army Specialist Tristan J. Rolfs of Lansing and three other soldiers received an “Award for Excellence” medallion from 3rd United States Infantry Regiment Commander Col. James Tuite (pictured at left in above photo below shaking hands with Rolfs at right). Only 479 U.S. Army soldiers to date have received this medal.

The medallion (pictured at center) is awarded to distinguish and honor soldiers who excel at a job or task while displaying efficiency and productivity. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Rolfs was putting in considerable hours training with the Urban Search and Rescue Squad (such as what he is pictured doing in the photo below) which involves the location, extrication and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in structural collapse due to natural disasters, mining accidents and collapsed trenches. Rolfs had the opportunity to train with the Washington, D.C. Fire Department.

Rolfs also recently received a promotion and is now an E4 Specialist and a member of the U.S. Army Honor Guard. He is a 2018 graduate of Kee High School in Lansing and the son of Walter and Carla Rolfs of Lansing. His grandparents are Lloyd Rolfs of Lansing, Roberta Rolfs of Waukon and the late Betty and George Smerud of New Albin. Submitted photos.