Pacific Guardian leads by example

Photo By Sgt. Valencia Wilson | Spc. Alexander Vandermark, a Patriot missile system repairer with 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, navigates through the mud as part of U.S. Army Pacific’s Best Warrior Competition June 5, 2019 on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The situational training exercise lanes consist of various tasks the Soldiers had to perform while being evaluated, such as a react to a chemical attack, rules of engagement, and a grenade throw.  

GUAM

01.10.2020

Story by Sgt. Raquel Birk 

38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade

ANDERSON AIR BASE, Guam – From an early age, Spc. Alexander Vandermark of Frisco, Texas knew he wanted to not only serve, but excel as a Soldier. Upon graduating high school in 2017, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army to pursue this venture as a Patriot system repairer.

“Spc. Vandermark exhibits the total Soldier concept,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel J. Castro, automotive warrant officer, Echo-3 Air Defense Artillery Battery, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Task Force Talon. “His performance is unmatched when it comes to logistics support with E-3 ADA. Vandermark ‘s ability to seamlessly cross-train to an automated logistics specialist resulted in the turn in of more than 40 recoverable items in exchange for more than 91,000 of unserviceable credit returned to the unit.”

Vandermark’s energy and efforts extended past the work place as he competed and won TF Talon’s Soldier of the Month board; 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command’s Best Warrior Competition; U.S. Army Pacific BWC; and placed third in the U.S. Army BWC in 2019.

“The most challenging part of the U.S. Army BWC was that we were moving under a ruck sack the entire time,” Vandermark recalled. “The most rewarding part was when it was all over and everyone was able to say ‘we did it.’ An important take away is that no matter how hard something is, if you are able to tell yourself to keep moving forward it will eventually be over with and you will come out of it stronger. This idea isn’t exclusive to pushing yourself in physical ways but it can be applied to any situation.”

Determination is not a word Vandermark takes lightly. He genuinely strives to succeed and care for others.

“Spc. Vandemark is a phenomenal Soldier in every aspect,” said Capt. Antuan X. Aaron, E-3 ADA commander. “He is very humble, always willing to learn and help others whenever needed. I am excited to see what the future holds for this young Soldier.”

Vandermark draws inspiration from his parents, past teachers and those around him. He continues to be a combat multiplier at a duty location he enjoys.

“The number one thing about any place will always be the people and the relationships you form with them,” said Vandermark. “Guam in particular, being a tropical island, has been a great place or me to become involved in oceanic activities like snorkeling and fishing.”

Vandermark is currently promotable and unsure of what the future holds for him, but if he continues the momentum he started his career with, we can expect to see more great things from this Pacific Guardian.

• Date Taken: 01.10.2020
• Date Posted: 01.10.2020 01:11
• Story ID: 358626
• Location: GU