FORT CUSTER, Mich. - Michigan Army National Guard has named Sgt. Travis Dykstra of Medical Command, Detroit Light Guard Armory, its Noncommissioned Officer of the Year; and Spc. Louis Piccione of the 126 Net Signal Company, its Soldier of the Year.
Fifteen Soldiers and non-commissioned officers vied for the titles during the Michigan Army National Guard Warrior Challenge Competition April 11-13 at Fort Custer training center, Augusta, Mich.
The competitors were measured against their peers in events testing aptitude in a broad range of Army skills including accountability, physical fitness and agility, day and night land navigation, weapons familiarization, weapons qualification, stress fire, a six mile road march and written communication.
The culminating event for competitors was an appearance before a formal board in which they were individually evaluated by a panel of their superiors.
Michigan Army National Guard Commanding General Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais and State Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Lincoln presented each of the competitors with a coin for excellence and commended them for outstanding performance and dedication before announcing the winners at the final ceremony April 13.