Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Monette Wike | Soldiers competing in the Region II Best Warrior competition at Fort Indiantown Gap,...... read more read more
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Two Soldiers from the District of Columbia Army National Guard’s 33rd Civil Support Team (CST) competed against Soldiers from five other states during the Region II Best Warrior Competition at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, May 20-23.
Army Sgt. Steven Kemp, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear NCO and team chief, and Spc. Rayshod Thompson, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear NCO, took part in four grueling days of testing and evaluations ranging from weapons qualification, a six-mile ruck march, and a stress shoot, which combined cardio training with weapons familiarization. Both Soldiers performed admirably, competing against soldiers from Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
“They all gave 110 percent and did the very best they could,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Gundrum, senior enlisted leader, Pennsylvania National Guard, and event host. “They were all very close competitively. In the NCO category, it actually came down to the appearance boarders.”
The intense training leading up to the state competition began in October, where Kemp and Thompson stood out against eight of their peers, and garnered such titles as “NCO” and Soldier of the Year.” After two more months of training and preparation, Kemp and Thompson hit the asphalt, competing against nine new challengers, each hoping to stake their claim as the Best Warrior in Region II.
When asked, Kemp and Thompson said they would recommend that every Soldier compete for Soldier and NCO of the Year at least once during their career.
“The boards and preparation have, almost in disguise, taught me how to be a better leader,” said Kemp, D.C. Army National Guard NCO of the Year. “I feel I am better prepared to lead in any avenue I decide to pursue in the Army.”
Kemp and Thompson were awarded the Army Commendation Medal for their accomplishments in training and competition throughout the seven months leading up to the event.
If you or someone you know would like to compete for the title, “D.C. Army National Guard Best Warrior” and aspire for the top spot as U.S. Army’s Best Warrior, contact your unit first sergeant.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.29.2015 12:40 |
| Story ID: | 153029 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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