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Warrior Challenge event fosters esprit de corps

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Earl Grater, operations shop non-commissioned officer with the 240th Combat...... read more read more

AL ASAD AIR BASE, IRAQ

12.14.2010

Courtesy Story

224th Sustainment Brigade

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq — Soldiers with the 240th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), competed in the Warrior Challenge event Dec. 11 at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.

“It was fun and challenging,” said Sgt. 1st Class Derrick Marzette, S6 non-commissioned officer in-charge with the 240th CSSB, and a Cleveland native.

Seven teams competed in the event early that Saturday morning. Each team consisted of one female soldier and four male soldiers.

“In anything you are faced with along your path, the courage to stand up and put forth your best effort is half the fight,” said Sgt. Earl Grater, an operations shop NCO with the 240th CSSB, and a Pottstown, Pa., native. “Most can play games or sports, but only a few can be part of a Warrior Challenge.”

The seven teams competed in six events in a two-hour period. The events included a litter carry, push-ups, sit-ups, a one-mile run, a 100-yard Humvee push, and a weapons event (disassembly and assembly).

"The challenging events were a great way to foster teamwork," said 1st Lt. Alan Sanfratella, supply officer with the 240th CSSB, and a Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native.

The winning team received certificates of achievement, a gold medal, and an Army and Air Force Exchange Service gift certificate worth $100.

Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Advise and Assist Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, took first place and second place.

After the sixth event was over, there was a three-way tie for 3rd place.

Each of the three teams picked their top three males and their female to compete in a relay race of one lap around the track to break the tie.

After a compelling lead gained by Sgt. Amber Hester, orderly room NCO with the 240th CSSB, and a Salters, N.C., native, her team managed to beat out the other three teams and take third place.

“The Warrior Challenge event was a great opportunity for our service members here on Al Asad to experience some great competition, challenge themselves physically and mentally, build some teamwork, and most importantly, have fun," said Lt. Col. Skip Adams, commander of the 240th CSSB, and a Nokesville, Va., native.