CPL Gabriela Garcia, a dental assistant NCO, reached a breaking point in the middle of a dirt tunnel during a low crawl. From that moment in the dirt, the story rewinds to reveal the previous 33 hours that brought her to the edge of failure during the Irwin Army Community Hospital internal Best Leader and Best Medic Competitions.
Held on April 29-30, 2026, this two-day competition was designed to identify and nominate the most resilient Soldiers to represent Medical Readiness Command, West. Those who earn the privilege of representing MRC, West at the 2026 Army Best Leader Competition and the 2027 Army Best Medic Competition will go against warriors across the entire U.S. Army, including the National Guard, Army Reserve, Medical...
When a training accident happens in the field, minutes matter.
At Fort Riley, those minutes can determine whether a 1st Infantry Division Soldier makes a full recovery or suffers a career-ending disability. With the arrival of a new ambulance fleet at Irwin Army Community Hospital, those minutes are now better protected than ever.
The upgraded vehicles bring capabilities designed for the conditions of military training like rugged off-road terrain, unpredictable weather, and high-risk environments.
Emergency Medical Services at Fort Riley operate differently than most civilian systems. While civilian EMS primarily respond to emergencies on paved city streets, Fort Riley’s EMS must be prepared to enter live-fire ranges and training...
04.16.2026 | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
Story by Jorge Gomez
This isn't just an ambulance; it's a Soldier's second chance. With the ability to navigate rugged, off-road terrain and deliver advanced trauma care, these new vehicles at Fort Riley serve as a critical lifeline. A new fleet of ambulances arrived at Fort Riley, Kansas, March 2026. These upgraded vehicles ensure that 1st Infantry Division Soldiers injured in the field receive faster, more effective care, which increases the likelihood of a full return to duty.
