Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Sgt. Shayan Mirzazadeh, an intelligence analyst with Joint Forces...... read more read more
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — In a historic first, the California Army and Air National Guard jointly hosted their annual Best Warrior competition Oct. 23-26, 2023, at Camp San Luis Obispo, Calif. This four-day event brought together 12 service members from major commands throughout the state, including the inaugural participation of an Airman, to compete for the title of best Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier in California.
"To contend for the title of California National Guard's Best Warrior has been a challenge, but I came prepared," said U.S. Army Pfc. Marck Anthony Rangel Garcia with the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, who trained for six and a half months prior to the competition.
Competitors faced a series of rigorous physical and mental challenges, from marksmanship and leadership evaluations, to written exams and physical exercises. The grueling nature of the competition was further accentuated by the presence of the cadre, who not only oversaw the event but also participated alongside the competitors.
“As cadre members, we don't just oversee the competition; we are in the trenches with our warriors. We sweat alongside them, we endure the same challenges, and we understand the demands they face,” said Sgt. Felicia Moffat, a cadre member for the event.
"This is my third year competing, and I do it because of the camaraderie with those that I serve with," said Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Johnson, 49th Military Police Brigade, last year's runner-up. "This year, there's a whole other level of competitors– they're hungry, they've been studying and planning. But I've got to see the very best version of them, and it's inspiring."
The mystery event, designed to test adaptability and critical thinking, proved to be a significant hurdle. "To me, it's about figuring out the next obstacle and just doing my best," Garcia said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Yvonne Muchow, the command sergeant major for the 223rd Regional Training Institute, expressed immense pride in the competitors, stating, "Our competitors are a source of pride for us. They exemplify the dedication and skill that California is known for.
This year's California National Guard Best Warrior competition was an event of firsts, marking the inaugural participation of an airman and uniting both branches. The significance of this milestone was not lost on those involved and serves as a testament to the unity and determination of the California National Guard in serving their state and nation.
Competitors included:
Spc. Regina Albarran Alba and Sgt. Clay Brown, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team
Spc. Daisy Guinchard, and Sgt. Alexis Medina-Esqueda, 115th Regional Support Group
Sgt 1st Class Kyle Johnson and Spc. Kevin Mayorga, 49th Military Police Brigade
Spc. Isaias Maganda, Camp Roberts Training Installation
Sgt. Shayan Mirzazadeh, Joint Forces Headquarters
Pfc. Marck Rangel-Garcia, Combat Aviation Brigade
Pfc. Dziains Yafremenka, 224th Sustainment Brigade
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marco Specchierla, 144th Fighter Wing
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2023 16:59 |
| Story ID: | 456904 |
| Location: | CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 117 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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