Army National Guard Pfc. Jesse Willis of Columbia Falls may be the first recipient from the Flathead Valley to earn the Montana National Guard Spirit of the Solider Award.

Willis,18, was selected by drill sergeants for his outstanding leadership during the 2016 Devil’s Brigade Warrior Challenge at Fort Harrison. The challenge is a multi-day training event to prepare new recruits for basic combat training. The award is given to a soldier who most embodies the “Spirit of the Soldier” through leadership, teamwork, motivation, work ethic and Army values.

This award was established in 2011 in memory of Jacob Colclough, a Montana Army National Guard soldier who was a senior at Libby High School when he died in a 2010 car accident.

Willis was surprised when he learned he was going to get the award. The award has reinforced his decision to enlist.

“I know what I have to do with the rest of my life now,” Willis said.

He enlisted in the military when he was 17 and still attending high school at Stillwater Christian School, where he recently graduated.

“As a Christian I felt God was calling me to serve my country,” Willis said.

Willis said his older brother David, who also enlisted at 17, prompted him to pursue military service.

“My brother inspired me to be who I am today. Right now he’s in ranger selection school in the Army,” Willis said.

On June 16 Willis leaves for Fort Benning in Georgia, where he will complete infantry school.

“I see the tough part behind me now and the longer I’m in, the more I love it,” Willis said.

Currently, Willis said he is seeking a military career with the goal of becoming an officer.

Willis is the son of James and Becky Willis.

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.