“The camaraderie that you build with the other Soldiers is my favorite part. Getting to know people from other states reminds us that we're all part of the same team,” says U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Eric Stanfill, a weapons squad leader with Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, competing in the Region VI Best Warrior Competition.
Stanfill joined the National Guard nearly nine years ago because of his passion for tactical skills and military service. Throughout his career, he has embraced opportunities to develop his leadership, communication, and combat proficiency while serving at home and abroad. Through the Best Warrior Competition, Stanfill aims to refine existing skills, build new relationships, and continue improving as a leader and Soldier. He says competing alongside winners from other state competitions has pushed him to perform at a higher level while reinforcing the importance of teamwork and professional development.
"All of them have won their state-level competition, so each and every one of them deserves to be here."
Stanfill credits military service with opening professional opportunities in his civilian career and considers his 2020 deployment to Somalia, where he supported Marine special operations forces as a .50-caliber gunner, among the most memorable experiences of his career. His dedication to duty reflects his commitment to readiness, leadership, and continuous self-improvement.