Photo By Staff Sgt. Priscilla Desormeaux | Army National Guard soldiers were recognized at the Virgin Islands Army National Guard...... read more read more
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ST. CROIX, Virgin Islands – The Army National Guard Region III states came together on the small island of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to compete in the annual Best Warrior Competition, from April 19 to April 24.
The Best Warrior competition’s intent is to test soldiers on their Army knowledge and physical ability.
The competition included 20 soldiers; each state had two competitors, vying for either NCO of the year or Soldier of the Year. The 20 soldiers first had to be chosen at their state level before competing at the regional level.
During the competition, the soldiers were tested in physical events to include the Army Physical Fitness Test, a grueling six-mile road march that took them over “The Beast," weapons qualification, land navigation and a triathlon event. Competitors were also required to write an essay within a certain time period, perform call for fire, weapons assembly, and present themselves before a board. The competition tested the soldiers mentally and physically, demanding them to give their all.
“It was very challenging and required you to push yourself,” said Mississippi Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Ashley B. Porter. “It wasn’t something you could just walk through. You had to legitimately push yourself.”
A banquet was held Apr. 22 to recognize the competitors and announce the winners. The Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands Maj. Gen. Renaldo Rivera encouraged the competitors to continue being the best, as well as being technically and tactically proficient in their careers.
While all the events were challenging and competition was tight, Georgia Army National Guard Sgt. Samuel R. Shuler and Spc. John D. Pettas took home the honors of NCO of the Year and Soldier of the Year respectively.
The banquet showcased the soldiers in their Army Service Uniforms, and they stood shoulder to shoulder no longer as competitors, but as brothers in arms bonded by the tests they endured over the past three days.
“For the competitive spirit you have within you, I want to thank you, the National Guard wants to thank you,” said Rivera. “You are the best of the best.”
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2015 09:30 |
| Story ID: | 161262 |
| Location: | ST. CROIX, VI |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Virgin Islands Hosts 2015 Region III Best Warrior Competition, by SSG Priscilla Desormeaux, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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