JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
After three days of intense competition, where six noncommissioned officers faced a grueling series of events designed to push them to their limits, the winner of the 2017 First Army Division East Best Warrior Competition was announced in a ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Sept. 20, 2017.
Sgt. 1st Class Clifton Hall, a horizontal engineer with the 2nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 315th Regiment, 174th Infantry Brigade, emerged victorious after finishing first in five events.
For the first time in recent years each competitor won an individual event, the significance of which was highlighted by Command Sgt. Maj. Royce Manis, First Army Division East Command Sergeant Major, in his remarks to the audience.
“Everybody won something, this is a great group of competitors,” said Manis.
“I truly appreciate the fact that you dared to try, to step out and are willing to compete in an event like this,” added Manis.
The diversity and depth of experience within the field only added to the challenge.
Among the ranks were former Drill Sergeants, Recruiters and Jumpmaster qualified noncommissioned officers representing First Army Division East’s five brigades.
Hall, who battled an illness while preparing for the competition, credited his family for supporting him and his fellow competitors for pushing him to perform at his best.
According to Hall, the event was especially challenging due to its structure and set up.
“Not knowing the scores made you push because you didn’t know how you were doing,” said Hall.
Hall, who now serves as an observer coach/trainer, or OC/T, in support of the 174th Infantry Brigade’s partnership mission, summed up the competitive experience in his remarks during the awards ceremony.
“Thanks to my leadership for selecting me to represent the brigade and thanks to all of my competitors, it was great meeting you, learning from you and hearing your stories,” added Hall.
-30-