This rigorous, two-day competition recognized Soldiers who demonstrated commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

And the winners are… Sgt. Demetria Mitchell and Spc. Devontea Blow.

Day one of the competition consisted of carrying a minimum 35 pound rucksack for a five-mile road march, which began before the break of dawn at 4:30 a.m. The Soldiers had one hour and 15 minutes to complete the road march to receive a perfect score of 100 points. To do so in the heat and humidity of a summer day in Georgia was no easy task and pushed the Soldiers to their limit.

Soon after completing the ruck march, the competitors received a safety briefing, and then had to negotiate movement through 10 obstacles, such as the wire crawl, cargo net climb and maneuver up the incline wall. The last challenge of the morning consisted of a 500-word essay.

Sgt. Demetria Mitchell, who serves as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge for Inpatient Behavioral Health, said the process of the SOQ challenged her in ways she was not expecting.

"I am honored to be the NCO of the Quarter and am excited for what's to come," Mitchell said. "I think all the Soldiers should attempt at least once, as it will push you to your limits through healthy competition."

Winn ACH Command Sgt. Major, CSM Roderick Taylor, said the competition recognized those warriors who represent the force of the future.

"With Readiness being our number one priority, I wanted the competition to emphasize being able to quickly switch between physical and mental challenges while applying critical thinking," Taylor said. "All competitors truly ignited a path for our Soldiers to follow."

The next morning the competing Soldiers had to complete the Army Combat Fitness Test graded on the ACFT scoring scale using the heavy scoring criteria, which Blow said was not only physically, but mentally tough.

Blow, a pharmacy tech at Hawks Troop Medical Clinic who recently earned his Air Assault Badge, said one of the toughest parts of the competition was the Oral Board.

"It challenges you in a very different way," Blow explained. "It displayed the focus we needed to not only speak what you know, but to show what you can do. I believe everyone should attend those competitions, whether it's the Soldier of the Month or Quarter or Year, it all pushes you to find a new limit."

Command Sgt. Major Taylor expressed his appreciation for those who contended to be the best of the best.

"I am extremely proud of all of the Soldiers for competing and representing the organization at the highest level," Taylor said.

Both Mitchell and Blow were awarded their distinction as NCO and Soldier of the Quarter respectively by Winn ACH Hospital Commander, Col. Michelle Munroe and CSM Taylor, during a special ceremony in Winn's Patriot Auditorium Aug. 13.