Photo By Sgt. Elizabeth Taylor | Spc. William Cornacchione takes his written test during this year’s 200th Military...... read more read more
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FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. -- A dense fog fell over the competitors. The moisture in the air so thick it rested on their skin, making even the lightest sweater appear drenched. Soldiers left it all on the course. Pulling a rope with a 50-pound kettle bell attached to the end, flipping a 200-pound tire, bear-crawling from one point to another while making sure not to drop their weapons. The event ended and the fog lifted just as the sun rose over the Santa Lucia Mountains.
This physical event took place on day two of the 200th Military Police Command Best Warrior Competition, which spanned five days from March 15-19 at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.
During the competition, Soldiers tested their Army aptitude by completing warfare simulations, board interviews, physical fitness tests, written exams and Warrior tasks and battle drills.
The competition started with 45 Soldiers representing four brigades from across the 200th Military Police Command on March 15. By the second day, 22 soldiers were eliminated. On the last day only two were awarded the “Best Warrior” titles in the noncommissioned officer (NCO) and junior enlisted Soldier categories.
Sgt. Jordan Lepley, an MP from 352nd Military Police Company, representing the 290th Military Police Brigade, was named the NCO winner and Spc. William Cornacchione, a combat medic from the 342nd Military Police Company, representing the 300th Military Police Brigade was the junior enlisted winner.
This was Lepley’s third time participating in the Best Warrior competition.
“(My parents) instilled in me that it doesn't matter where you come from or what you've done in the past, it’s your mindset going forward, your willingness to put forth the effort and display the tenacity to pursue goals and a achieve them that matters,” said Lepley.
Lepley believes that failure is not an option and as long as you are not quitting, you are not failing.
Lepley’s unwillingness to give up is what set him apart from his peers.
“The Army has taught me how to stay motivated regardless of the situation,” said Lepley. “Also, that setbacks occur, but you need to just regroup and get back out there.”
This was the first competition for Spc. Cornacchione.
“This process showed me that you really can do whatever you set your mind to,” said Cornacchione.
“The best advice I’ve been given was from one my first sergeant. He said, ‘Greater and lesser men have come before you and done this, so why can't you?’ ... There's no excuse.”
Cornacchione said he was able to push beyond his perceived limitations.
“It was physically taxing,” said Cornacchione. “And some of the events, like night navigation on this terrain, you just can’t fully prepare for back home. “
Although it was a difficult four days, comrades to his left and right made things a little easier.
“This competition was unique because although we were all battling against each other to be the best, we still all came together and helped each other in areas of weakness,” said Cornacchione. “My competitors drove me to be better, and if it wasn't for them I might not have done as well as I did.”
“They left it all on the course … blood, sweat and tears, and for that I am extremely proud,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Owens, the 200th MP Cmd.’s top enlisted Soldier. “I am confident that they will go forward and represent the command well.”
Lepley and Cornacchione will move on to the U. S Army Reserve Command Best Warrior Competition in May.
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2017 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 227352 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US |
| Hometown: | CINCINNATI, OH, US |
| Hometown: | COLUMBUS, OH, US |
| Hometown: | HARRISBURG, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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