NEW GLOUCESTER – A Maine guardsman who works in an Army office in Portland is one of five finalists for the title of Soldier of the Year.

Sgt. 1st Class Paul Pratt of New Gloucester is representing the 1st Army in the national competition, which uses contest scores to compare some of the best soldiers in the country.

On Tuesday, Pratt was honored at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., along with the other finalists.

Together, they numbered fewer than one dozen. The 1st Army includes guardsmen and women across the Northeast.

Soldiers who are called to active duty and serve abroad are typically unable to compete in the contest.

“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 a prepared statement.

“His dedication, commitment, and experience contributed to his achievement,” she said. “All of us in Maine, and especially Sgt. Pratt’s wife, Debra, have a reason to be proud of him. The recognition he has earned is well-deserved.”

Pratt was a 1983 graduate of Gray-New Gloucester High School. He graduated from Husson College in 1994 with honors.

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

He is assigned to the Recruiting and Retention Command at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Portland.