Photo By 2nd Lt. Jorge Intriago | Sgt. Lance Halvorson, 59th Troop Command, Devils Lake, N.D. native is the 2012 South...... read more read more
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - In a challenging test of mental and physical ability, Army National Guardsmen representing the major subordinate commands competed in the Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year competition during a grueling four-day event at McCrady Training Center. The six soldiers and six NCOs who competed had risen to become their command representatives, after competing at the company, battalion and brigade level throughout the year.
The competition consisted of physical and mental challenges – including a 500-word essay, land navigation, warrior task and battle drills (first aid, buddy care, call for fire), six-mile road march, weapons qualification and Level One Army combatives. To make the weekend more demanding, each event was streamlined one after another with little rest in between. State Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Brickley said the streamline process mirrors the regional competition and should set up the South Carolina soldiers for success at the next level by providing an overview of what to expect at the regional competition.
Each soldier brought with them a valuable tool, a sponsor to assist in basic needs for each event and provide motivation throughout the competition. “As Senior NCOs they provided the best possible guidance and preparation during the competition,” said Spc. Isaac Chestnut, 59th Troop Command. “Seeing them there to support me made me feel good and motivated me as well.”
“The competition promotes a healthy challenge between soldiers and NCOs,” said Master Sgt. Horace Moore, competition NCO in charge and organizer. “It gives them something to take back to their units and challenge others with.”
Months of planning went into the competition, which is evolving each year into a tougher and more challenging event. The 218th Regiment (Leadership), McCrady environmental, McCrady operations, Pre-Mobilization Training Assistance Element is some of the units who helped the overall success of the competition.
All competitors were recognized at a luncheon ceremony on the last day of the competition, where the winners were announced. The S.C. National Guard NCO of the year is Sgt. Lance Halvorson, 741st Quarter Master Company, 59th Troop Command, a native of Devils Lake, N.D., who now resides in Beaufort, S.C. The S.C. National Guard Soldier of the Year is Spc. Isaac Chestnut, 1222nd Engineer Company, 59th Troop Command, from Myrtle Beach, S.C. Halvorson and Chestnut will move on to the regional competition against National Guardsmen from the Southeast United States.
Halvorson and Chestnut are both traditional National Guardsmen who trained for the competition around their civilian careers, education and family life. “My employer… is very supportive of my involvement in the Army National Guard,” said Halvorson.
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2012 11:37 |
| Story ID: | 85356 |
| Location: | COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 337 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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