Photo By Sgt. Gerald Hill | U.S. Army Soldiers competing in the 16th Sustainment Brigade’s Soldier,...... read more read more
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – The 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion recently hosted the 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldier, Noncommissioned Officer, and Junior Officer of the Quarter Competition from May 19 to 22, 2025.
The four-day event challenged seven top performers from across the 16th Sustainment Brigade, testing their endurance, technical skills, and leadership through physically demanding and mentally rigorous tasks.
Competitors included 2nd Lt. Maya Berg, Sgt. Jozef Putrycz, and Spc. Quincy Bayliss from the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion; Spc. Leroy Gilmore and Spc. Samuel Polite III from the 16th Special Troop Battalion; Cpl. Christian Magno from the 106th Finance Battalion; and Spc. Ethan Miller from the 95th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
The competition began on May 19 with in-processing at Camp Algier, including a meticulous Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) layout. Sgt. 1st Class Jerel Concepcion led an in-brief, followed by opening remarks from Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Towns, senior enlisted advisor, 16th Sustainment Brigade.
"This is my opportunity to showcase you," said Towns. "My job is to highlight the good that you all do. Because people will remember."
On May 20, competitors tackled the Modified Expert Physical Fitness Assessment, which included an 800-meter run, 30 dead-stop push-ups, a 100-meter sprint, sandbag lifts, a 50-meter farmer's carry, and high- and low-crawls.
From there, Soldiers completed a ruck march before heading to Camp Aachen's Weapons Lane to demonstrate proficiency with six weapons systems, including the M17 pistol and the MK19 grenade machine gun. The day wrapped up with Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Combat Lifesaver evaluations, as well as Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services.
On day two, competitors completed an obstacle course and chemical defense training, followed by Warrior Task Battle Drills. Soldiers executed movement under fire, reacted to simulated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and prepared SALUTE reports.
"It's cool to be able to compete and represent your unit and show what you know and improve your skills," explained 1st or 2nd Lt. Megan Minaudo, the 18th CSSB Officer in Charge. "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 final day featured a formal board led by senior enlisted leaders. Competitors fielded questions on the chain of command, risk management, Holistic Health and Fitness(H2F), and the Warrior Ethos.
"The effort you put into training and preparing yourself for this competition matters," said Staff Sgt. Bella Velacalo, 221st Quartermaster Company.
In the end, Spc. Ethan Miller of the 95th CSSB was named best Soldier. Sgt. Jozef Putrycz earned top NCO, and 2nd Lt. Maya Berg was recognized as best officer.
The three winners will represent their units at the 16th Sustainment Brigade Annual SNO competition, held at Baumholder, Germany, from July 29 to August 1, 2025. 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: | 06.02.2025 07:06 |
| Story ID: | 499227 |
| Location: | GRAFENWOEHR, DE |
| Web Views: | 19 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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