Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Soldier defeats the odds to become USARJ Soldier of the Year

    Soldier defeats the odds to become USARJ Soldier of the Year

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed | Spc. Mara E. Snowman, a euphonium player assigned to the United Stats Army Japan Band,...... read more read more

    OKINAWA, JAPAN

    05.01.2013

    Story by Sgt. 1st Class Howard Reed 

    10th Regional Support Group

    OKINAWA, Japan — The Army simply defines resiliency as having the ability to “hunt for the good stuff” and bounce back from a significant emotional event to overcome a situation or crisis. It’s something Spc. Mara E. Snowman, a euphonium player with the United States Army Japan Band, can relate to.

    “I’m a very hard worker, hard on myself at times,” said Snowman. “Overall I have high expectations for myself and think stress is ok but you never want to be distressed,” explained Snowman.

    It was day one of this year’s United States Army of Japan, Warrior Competition Challenge on Okinawa and Snowman was feeling pretty good about her efforts in pursuit of becoming USARJ’s Soldier of the Year. After scoring a 298 on the Army Physical Fitness test things look good for the Cleveland, Tenn. native.

    As she prepared to board a bus for the warrior battle drills, event organizers delivered a message that would change her life forever. Snowman’s grandmother, Jilbert Snowman, whom she considered her best friend, mentor and the family rock, passed away the night before.

    “It was really hard, it really was a sudden moment for me and I decided to let it motivate me to do better. I knew what my grandmother wanted me to accomplish,” said Snowman as she held back tears.


    Snowman battled thoughts of the good times and special moments she shared with her grandmother to continue in the competition. On day three she would be tested again during the urban orienteering event. The event is similar to land navigation but requires participants to locate land navigation points in an urban area on Kadena Air Base.

    Snowman found herself lost trying to locate a point which should have been a mile or two beyond the starting point. She ended up on the opposite side of Kadena’s flight line which was more than double the distance of the point location.

    “In addition to disappointing myself, I also felt that I was letting grandma down and needed to do better,” said Snowman.
    And it was that resiliency throughout the remaining warrior challenges that helped the Soldier overcome her personal hurdles and tough competition to be selected as USARJ’s Soldier of the Year.

    At the closing ceremonies Snowman said she decided to join the Army last year after graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s degree in music.

    “Joining the military I knew I wanted to strive to be the best by working hard and training, but I could not imagine being here at this moment,” said Snowman. “I knew I had to put my best foot forward and dedicate my efforts to achieve success for my grandmother.”

    Snowman explained she is honored to represent USARJ in the upcoming United States Army Pacific Warrior Challenge in June.

    “I know it will be a hard challenge but I will give my best effort,” said Snowman.

    And if one thing for certain, Snowman will carry to the competition in Hawaii next month, is the memory of her late grandmother.

    “One thing I learned from her and it has stayed with me since childhood. My grandmother would tell us to laugh at yourself, keep a warm smile on your face and always have a positive attitude. I know she’s watching me from heaven,” said Snowman.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.01.2013
    Date Posted: 04.30.2013 21:56
    Story ID: 106114
    Location: OKINAWA, JP
    Hometown: CLEVELAND, TN, US

    Web Views: 447
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN