FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. –
Staff Sgt. Leo Malfara, an instructor with the 166th Regiment – Regional Training Institute, Pennsylvania National Guard, was named Instructor of the Quarter for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, recognizing his exceptional performance, dedication to students and commitment to professional development.
Malfara, a Thompsontown native, has served in the Pennsylvania National Guard since 2014 and has spent the past year instructing within the regiment’s noncommissioned officer education system.
“I love it,” Malfara said. “It’s really opened my eyes to how much I enjoy teaching. Seeing students take information, process it and then get excited to apply it – that’s the best part.”
Malfara’s impact in the classroom is reflected in student feedback. During recent end-of-course surveys, he was voted the top instructor within 3rd Battalion, the regiment’s noncommissioned officer academy, earning the highest number of student endorsements among his peers. Malfara’s seniors say this feedback highlights his ability to connect with Soldiers and foster a positive learning environment.
“Staff Sgt. Malfara distinguished himself inside and outside the classroom as the top-performing instructor during the quarter,” said Lt. Col. Max Furman Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Trofe, the 166th Regiment RTI command team, in an announcement to the organization. “His dedication to his craft and commitment to student learning set him apart from his peers.”
Over the past year, Malfara has facilitated both the Basic Leader Course and the 19D Cavalry Scout Advanced Leader Course, often simultaneously supporting multiple battalions within the regiment. During that time, he also completed the requirements for the Basic Army Instructor Badge, which include a series of evaluations, self-assessments, and peer observations in his role as a primary instructor, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth while maintaining a demanding instructional schedule.
Malfara credits much of his success to mentorship within the regiment.
“I’ve had more good mentors here than I can count,” he said. “Having the right people to mentor you will take you far. The rest is showing up prepared, studying the doctrine and finding ways to make it applicable and relatable to your students.”
His teaching philosophy centers on the experiential learning model, focusing on making lessons engaging and relevant for adult learners. By connecting doctrine to real-world experiences, Malfara encourages students to think critically and apply what they learn beyond the classroom.
“The biggest thing is bridging the gap between doctrine and personal experience,” he said. “When students can see how [doctrine] applies to situations they’ve actually faced, that’s where the learning really happens.”
Beyond formal instruction, Malfara is known for investing additional time in his students, often working outside scheduled hours to ensure they have the tools needed to succeed. His leaders and peers noted his empathy, approachability and willingness to go above and beyond as key factors in his selection.
“His commitment extends well beyond the classroom,” said 1st Sgt. Nicholas Cox, deputy commandant of the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. “He consistently dedicates his personal time to amplify the success of his students and the learning community.”
Outside of his military duties, Malfara is pursuing a graduate degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and volunteers as a classroom aide supporting English-language learners. He said those experiences have further strengthened his ability to connect with diverse groups of students.
“It’s the people,” Malfara said. “From the students to my coworkers, being in a place where everyone is striving to be better – it’s uplifting.”
As he looks ahead, Malfara said his goal is to continue developing himself as an instructor and leader while helping shape the next generation of noncommissioned officers.
For current and future military instructors, he offered simple advice: “Read the doctrine, seek mentorship and be yourself.”