Photo By Sgt. Shye Wilborn | Fort Stewart, Ga., March 5-11, 2018 - Georgia National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Kevin...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. March 11, 2018 – The Georgia Army National Guard held the 2018 Best Warrior Competition at Fort Stewart during the second week of March. Twelve competitors representing each of Georgia’s major subordinate commands battled for the title of noncommissioned officer and Soldier of the year.
Staff Sergeant Kevin D’Aversa an instructor from the 122nd Regional Training Institute representing the Ellenwood based 78th Troop and Spc. Alexei Joya an explosive ordnance disposal technician representing the Marietta based 201st Regional Support Group grabbed the honored titles.
The competition started on March 5th and spanned what the competitors called a grueling six days. Soldiers were tested mentally and physically each day. Events included a written essay, physical fitness test, three-gun stress shoot, 12-mile ruck march carrying a 50 pound rucksack, board appearance and warrior tasks and drills.
“This competition taught me new physical limits,” said D’Aversa. “I pushed myself and when I thought, ‘I didn’t have any more to give,’ I was forced to dig deeper. It taught me to be more resilient.”
Getting to the state level in this competition was by no means easy. Each competitor had to first win their company, battalion and brigade level competitions.
“My unit definitely helped to prepare me to get to the place I am in,” said Joya. “I was surprised with the ruck-march. I did not expect (the rucksack) to be as heavy as it was and I’m happy with the opportunity to learn a wider set of skills and build comradery.”
A good number of Soldiers love this competition and some do back to back competitions.
This is the second state best warrior competition for Spc. Cedrick Thomas an avionics mechanic, is representing the 78th Aviation Troop Command, based in Marietta. He explained his experience in the competition was a great way to connect and learn things he wouldn’t otherwise learn at his unit.
“In my future I want to move up the ranks and one day be a sergeant major,” said Thomas. “To be here at this competition supporting my own Soldiers and watch them get the same experience and opportunities that I have received through it.”
The best warrior competition serves as a great way to motivate Soldiers, but more importantly as a way to bring them together and learn.
“I love the best warrior competition” said Georgia National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Lewis, state command sergeant major. “It is so important to celebrate these NCOs and Soldiers for their dedication and this achievement.” “These are the best of the best from our state who deserve to be celebrated and acknowledged.”
D’Aversa and Joya will move on to the next stage of the competition, the Region III Best Warrior Competition April 23-29, 2018 in Tullahoma, Tenn.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2018 20:06 |
| Story ID: | 270393 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 313 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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