Photo By Spc. Charles So | A U.S. Soldier competes at the 63rd Regional Support Command's best warrior...... read more read more
CAMP PARKS, Calif. - Army Bands are an important asset within the commands, leading the way in boosting soldiers’ morale, entertaining people, and performing in numerous military ceremonies. But not only do Army band members perform their primary duties with professionalism and pride, they are also technically and tactically proficient soldiers, something not always acknowledged by their peers.
Sgt. Camille Kleparek, a drummer with the 191st Army Band, based out of Camp Parks, Calif., knows a thing or two about these sentiments.
“When I tell (people) I am in the band, they’re like 'oh, you’re just in the band,'” said Kleparek. “They don’t always understand that yes, we go through basic training like everyone else and we have to do all of the warrior training like everyone else.”
These preconceived notions about band members only fuel Kleparek’s spirit and determination. Kleparek was a competitor at this year’s United States Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition; she is amongst a select few of the most professional and fittest reserve soldiers from all across the Southwest region of the United States.
The BWC is four days of physical and mental challenges. During the competition soldiers are challenged with events such as the Army physical fitness test, day and night land navigation, weapons qualification, a 10 kilometer road march, numerous mystery events, and a board consisting of command sergeant majors of the Army who examine the competitors one at a time, drilling them with questions, critiquing them, and judging their uniforms and answers in order to select the most qualified an professional NCO and junior enlisted soldier.
Kleparek’s whirlwind experience began in March at the 63d Regional Support Command’s internal BWC that took place at Ft. Hunter Liggett, Calif., and culminated with the USAR BWC in June at Ft. McCoy, Wis. When asked about her experience at the BWC, Kleparek says she found the entire competition challenging and was surprised by her resiliency.
“When I first heard I was a BWC competitor, I thought there was no way I could do it, said Kleparek. “But as the competition rolled on, I became more confident in my abilities and myself.”
191st Army Band 1st Sgt. Keith M. Barlow emphasized how Kleparek had distinguished herself and made her unit proud.
“She is an excellent musician, excellent leader and excellent trainer,” said Barlow. “I see Sgt. Kleparek as a Soldier who will succeed in any task given to her.”
With her enduring spirit and never-ending perseverance, Kleparek has proven that band members are as proficient and capable in their warrior tasks as any soldier.
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 08.12.2013 12:30 |
| Story ID: | 111820 |
| Location: | CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | CAMP PARKS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,582 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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