Photo By Jeanine Mezei | Spc. Anthony Cruz, a combat medic specialist assigned to Dugway Occupational Health...... read more read more
While many Soldier challenges may seem demanding, the annual Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) Best Warrior Competition raised the degree of difficulty by hosting the event at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.
Drudging through thick snow and rugged terrain at Dugway, Soldiers had determination written across their faces despite the elements working against them on nearly each event.
“Dugway was chosen because of the space we have out here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Roxanne Nissen, the EACH Emergency Department noncommissioned officer in charge and event cadre. “We began a week ago, setting up for this with Soldiers at Dugway to begin validating the events.”
By tackling day and night land navigation, a 12-mile road march, weapons qualification, an Army Physical Fitness Test, oral board testing, and Army Warrior Tasks, the seven competitors were put to the test to determine the best Soldier and NCO EACH has to offer.
“I think it was physically demanding with the events so close together,” said Sgt. Christopher Dilday, a preventive medicine specialist with EACH. “It was a good test of warrior spirit.”
Within a three-day span, each Soldier put on a brave face despite being unaware of how they scored on any events until the closing ceremony March 1, 2018, when the winners were announced.
“Soldiers selected to compete for the title of EACH Best Warrior Competition NCO and Soldier of the Year have already mastered a series of benchmarks validated by their respective leaders,” said Staff Sgt. Geraldine Rodriguez, EACH victim advocate and event cadre.
EACH Command Sgt. Maj. Federico Conde thanked the Dugway garrison leadership for allowing the unit to host there and praised the hard work of the event cadre.
“This competition is not about us, it’s about these Soldiers and what we put them through,” said Conde. “There were a lot of tasks presented before them and they faced the challenges.”
The winners of the event were Sgt. Margaret Justice, a medical laboratory specialist at EACH, and Spc. Anthony Cruz, a combat medic specialist assigned to Dugway Occupational Health Clinic.
Both received the Army Commendation Medal for demonstrating outstanding leadership, knowledge of military and world events, and astonishing physical fitness. They will represent EACH at the U.S. Army Regional Health Command-Central Best Warrior Competition beginning March, 12, 2018, at Dugway.
“Not only is it a privilege to represent Evans but Dugway as well,” said Cruz. “I know there is going to be tough competition ahead and I’m going to take on the challenge.”
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2018 11:59 |
| Story ID: | 269029 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON , COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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