CAMP SHELBY JOINT FORCES TRAINING CENTER, Miss. - U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Michael Davis, a Rankin County native assigned to the 172nd Communications Flight, 172nd Airlift Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, was named the Noncommissioned Officer Category winner of the 2026 Mississippi National Guard Best Warrior Competition, held March 15-19 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center.
A radio frequency transmission systems specialist, Davis competed against top Soldiers and Airmen from across the state, with international partners from Uzbekistan also in attendance, during a multi-day competition testing physical endurance, technical proficiency, and leadership under pressure.
For Davis, the win represents the culmination of multiple years of competing and steadily improving against some of the state’s top performers.
“This is my fourth year competing,” Davis said. “It feels good. I’ve been near the top each time, but it feels nice to finally get the win this year. I’m just glad I was able to compete, hold it together physically, and come through this year.”
Davis’ path to victory was shaped by previous near-wins and the decision to continue competing despite setbacks. “Last year, it came down to me and another competitor, and we were really close,” Davis said. “He ended up winning. Afterward, I went to pick up my son from school, and he asked if I had won. I told him, ‘No, buddy, I came in second.’ He just said, ‘Well, that’s no problem. You can just do it again next year.’ That was really my main push to come back and compete again this year.”
His son, Fletcher, said he knew his father would have another opportunity.
“I was happy for him that he got second, but I told him that hopefully he can win it this year,” Fletcher said. “I’m very excited that he did.”
Davis credited both his background and those around him for helping him prepare for the demands of the competition.
“Coming from the Marines, I had a basic knowledge of the tasks associated with the competition,” Davis said. “I also had a good group of friends, including previous competitors, and I was willing to ask for training and humble myself to be trained by anyone with the knowledge of the topics I needed to learn.”
Throughout his career, Davis has navigated multiple transitions in service while continuing to develop as a leader. “My career has had plenty of twists and turns,” Davis said. “I joined the Marine Corps in 2010 as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist. After seven years, I left the Marines and joined the 172nd as an RF transmissions specialist. I’ve been able to attend schools I never imagined and travel across the country. My goal is to rise as a senior noncommissioned officer and establish a culture that I’ll be proud to leave behind.” Senior leaders emphasized that competitions like Best Warrior serve as a platform to develop high-performing service members and strengthen unit readiness.
“You only get better by being around people who are better than you,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Hollings, state command sergeant major, Mississippi National Guard. “Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and surround yourself with high performers and you’re bound to get better.”
Hollings also underscored the importance of maintaining high standards across the force.
“At the end of the day, our job is to win on the battlefield and come home alive,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Hollings. “That standard applies to every Guardsman, no matter their role.”
For Davis, the competition served as a reminder that shared experience and trust remain at the core of the force.
“The camaraderie between all the branches is something I really enjoy,” Davis said. “It’s about building those relationships and pushing each other to be better.”
The recognition reflects years of perseverance and a continued commitment to growth.
“I really just want to give the glory to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family,” Davis said. “I am blessed beyond measure, and I am privileged to serve my nation and the Lord at the same time.”