Photo By Timothy Hale | U.S. Army Sgt. Devron West, a chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear specialist...... read more read more
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FORT MCCOY, Wis. - Representing your command at a highly exposed and difficult competition is considered an honor, but being asked for a second opportunity is personally satisfying and one that this soldier could not pass up.
Sgt. Devron West, a member of the 300th Chemical Biological Radiation Nuclear Company, located in Morgantown, W.Va., 335th Signal Command, in East Point, Ga., has been anticipating the opportunity to compete in the 2013 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., since being approached for another shot at number one.
“I was asked to compete a few years ago at the local level, and didn’t do as well as I wanted,” said West. “When asked if I want another chance this year, I jumped on it and said 'yes' right away. I had the opportunity to try again and prove how far I could push myself, so I put everything I had into it, and here I am.”
Before the competition West took the opportunity to work on temporary military orders and work as the platoon sergeant for the Mountaineer Challenge Academy for at-risk youth in Kingwood, W.Va. He said applying the military style of discipline helped to teach the students self-discipline as well.
“We put them in a Semi-military environment and instill a little discipline and guidance using the “drill sergeant” mentality at first while they get a chance to get their GED and continue self-motivation to better their life,” said West. “Many students take the changes to heart and understand the opportunity they have and change the direction they were heading.”
West said studying math was something he enjoyed early in life. It’s common to hear people say they love a certain type of food, they love their family or spouse, but saying I love mathematics is not usually heard. For this soldier, the love of math is not just an interest but also a study of higher learning.
“Before I joined the reserve, I was in college studying physics and wanted to finish my degree,” said West. “While I’m not enrolled at the moment, I still want to continue studying physics and I keep up on anything science like NASA’s latest advances. It’s just interesting how it all works.”
West enjoys physics, but what makes him unique in one way is the interest in law enforcement. He was hired by the local sheriff's department, but wasn’t sure he would be able to compete this year after starting the new job.
“I was hired by the sheriff's department a few months before the best warrior competition and it felt a little awkward asking for time off to participate. But they are very supportive of this and had no problem letting me compete,” said West. “The department actually has plans for me to join the SWAT team after I graduate the 16-week-long police academy and plan on using my experience here to help me train.”
West says he is focused on this year’s BWC and gaining experience and knowledge that will help him with future events.
He does plan on competing again and says even though these competitors are high speed and ready for this competition he feels just being here competing with them is worth the effort.
“This is a little more intimidating to compete at this level,” said West. “You may have seven to 12 soldiers competing at most lower levels, but there are almost 40 very strong willed, very competitive soldiers all believing they will win here. They are the best we have and I just want to keep up with them, learn from my mistakes and come back next year for another shot."
| Date Taken: | 06.26.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.26.2013 14:37 |
| Story ID: | 109299 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WI, US |
| Hometown: | MORGANTOWN, WV, US |
| Web Views: | 151 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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