Photo By Pfc. Christopher Enderle | Spc. Brandon Byrne of Company B, 2nd Battalion,127th infantry, 32nd Infantry Brigade...... read more read more
By Pfc. Chris Enderle
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
FORT MCCOY, Wis. — After a tiring three-day competition, the Wisconsin Army National Guard announced its 2013 State Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, April 21.
Spc. Brandon Byrne of Oak Creek, Wis., with Company B, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, won State Soldier of the Year and Sgt. Edward Schmitt of Lake Mills, Wis., with the 54th Civil Support Team, 64th Troop Command, won State Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Both soldiers will move on to represent Wisconsin May 13-16 in Marseilles, Ill., for the regional competition.
"It was an intense competition, and everyone did really well," Schmitt said. "I found it surprising that even though we're competing, everyone still looks out for each other. For example, I didn't have a lamp for one event, but then another soldier gave me an extra one they had, which just shows that even though we're competing, we're still all in this together."
The competition consisted of a series of events to include a physical fitness test, a combatives tournament, pistol and rifle qualification, day and night land navigation, a written exam, warrior tasks, an obstacle course, and an appearance before a uniform inspection board. The competition concluded with a 10-mile road march.
On the final day, Command Sgt. Maj. Bradley Shields, command sergeant major of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, held an award ceremony for all of the competitors, sponsors and support staff. He expressed how impressed he was by everyone.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you that sit before me here today," Shields said. "The effort put forth by everyone was phenomenal, and it takes a special kind of soldier to be able to raise their hand to volunteer for an event like this."
The weather throughout the competition was a mix of rain, snow, and sun that was constantly changing, but still the competitors pushed on through it all.
When asked what could possibly prepare soldiers for dealing with events and conditions like those experienced during this event, Byrne said that soldiers should be prepared for anything.
"The best way to prepare for something like this is to work both your body and mind," Byrne said. "Work out, study hard, but most of all get in the mindset of never giving up. That's what kept me going."
Both winners have a slot reserved at the Army's air assault school, provided they meet the pre-requisites, and the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team offered to host each winner as an honored guest at one of their home games. They will throw-out the first pitch, have front row tickets for them and their families and will be featured throughout the game.
| Date Taken: | 04.21.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.22.2013 14:34 |
| Story ID: | 105624 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Hometown: | LAKE MILLS, WISCONSIN, US |
| Hometown: | OAK CREEK, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 353 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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