Pass Christian Native Competes in Mississippi National Guard Best Warrior Competition

CAMP MCCAIN, MS, UNITED STATES

03.01.2018

Story by 2nd Lt. Rachel Henson 

Joint Force Headquarters - Mississippi National Guard

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi National Guard hosted its annual Best Warrior Competition this week at the Camp McCain Training Center near Elliott, Mississippi.
Eleven Soldiers and Airmen who mastered a series of benchmarks to qualify for the statewide competition competed for the prestigious titles of Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
“You know there’s a lot of camaraderie and jointness in what we do throughout the state and throughout our missions,” said Brig. Gen. Billy M. Nabors, Mississippi Air National Guard Chief of Staff. “To have these guys out here being able to compete together and enjoy that kind of camaraderie. I think they’re both getting a lot out of it, both Army and Air and my guys are giving them a run for their money. I’m proud of them for doing that.”
One of those Air Force competitors who enjoyed the joint competition is Pass Christian native Tech. Sgt. Joshua Parker of Gulfport’s Combat Readiness Training Center – Battlefield Airman Center.
“It’s strong all around. It’s a well-rounded group of guys from all different career fields,” said Parker. “If I could place myself… I don’t know because it’s up and down. It’s an all around event, so you definitely have to be well-rounded.”
Parker, who joined the Air National Guard nine years ago, serves in the security forces in his unit at the CRTC-BAC and works as a state trooper for the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
During the four-day competition, Parker and the other 10 elite competitors tested their military aptitude by conquering urban warfare simulations, weapons qualifications, board interviews, physical fitness tests, written exams, and warrior tasks and battle drills.
The event concluded Thursday, March 1, 2018. The winners will be announced Saturday, March 3, 2018, at an awards banquet during the Mississippi National Guard’s annual Noncommissioned Officer’s conference at the Hilton in Jackson.
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• Date Taken: 03.01.2018
• Date Posted: 03.03.2018 10:57
• Story ID: 268000
• Location: CAMP MCCAIN, MS, US
• Hometown: BILOXI, MS, US
• Hometown: DIBERVILLE, MS, US
• Hometown: GULFPORT, MS, US
• Hometown: PASS CHRISTIAN, MS, US