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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – The 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion recently hosted the 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldier, NCO, and Junior Officer of the 3rd Quarter competition in Baumholder, Germany, from May 19 to 22, 2025.
This demanding four-day event spotlighted the grit, leadership, and unwavering determination of the most exemplary soldiers and leaders from the 16th Sustainment Brigade, honoring their relentless efforts and dedication to excellence.
Seven exceptional individuals, representing various battalions, faced the challenge: Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) Maya Berg, Sergeant (Sgt.) Jozef Putrycz, and Specialist (Spc.) Quincy Bayliss from the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; Spc. Leroy Gilmore and Spc. Samuel Polite III from the 16th Special Troop Battalion; Corporal (Cpl.) Christian Magno from the 106th Finance Battalion; and Spc. Ethan Miller from the 95th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
The competition began on May 19th with in-processing at Camp Algier, including a meticulous Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) layout. Sergeant First Class Jerel Concepcion led an in-brief, setting the stage for the week, with powerful opening remarks from Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Towns of the 16th Sustainment Brigade.
"This is my opportunity to showcase you,” declared Command Sgt. Maj Towns. “My job is to highlight the goodness that you guys do. Because people will remember."
May 20th kicked off with a grueling physical endurance test, the Modified Expert Physical Fitness Assessment. Competitors pushed their limits through an 800-meter run, 30 dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, 16 sandbag lifts, a 50-meter farmer's carry, and high/low crawls. Later, a demanding ruck march followed before the action shifted to the Weapons Lane at Camp Aachen, where soldiers demonstrated mastery with six different firearms, from the M17 pistol to the MK19 grenade machine gun. The day concluded with Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3)/Combat Lifesaver (CLS) Lane evaluations and Preventive Maintenance Checks and Service (PMCS) assessments.
Day two plunged participants into an intense obstacle course and a challenging race to the gas chamber.
"It's cool to be able to compete and represent your unit and show what you know and improve your skills," explained Lt. Megan Minaudo, the 18th CSSB OIC, "But they're out here to see where they're at, and how they can improve."
This was followed by Warrior Task Battle Drills, including Movement Under Fire, reacting to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and crafting SALUTE reports.
The three-day competition culminated in a rigorous evaluation by Senior Enlisted Leaders, spearheaded by Command Sgt. Maj. Towns. Competitors faced tough questions on leadership knowledge, covering Risk Management, Chain of Command, Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F), and the Warrior Ethos.
Staff Sgt. Bella Velacalo of the 221st Quartermaster Company noted, “The effort you put into training and preparing yourself for this competition matters.”
In an inspiring finish, Specialist Miller of the 95th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion was named the best soldier. The 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion showcased remarkable leadership, with 2nd Lieutenant Berg earning recognition as the best officer and Sergeant Putrycz honored as the best NCO.
These outstanding winners will proudly represent their battalions at the 16th Sustainment Brigade Annual SNO competition, held from July 29 to August 1, 2025, in Baumholder, Germany. Their success in Grafenwoehr is a powerful testament to their dedication and readiness for the next level of competition.
| Date Taken: | 05.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2025 18:07 |
| Story ID: | 498875 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, DE |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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