MDW Best Warrior Competition keeps it in the family

FORT A.P. HILL (July 27, 2012) -- Two Soldiers won top honors at this year's U.S. Army Military District of Washington's Best Warrior Competition (BWC), held at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. July 23 - 27.

The winners of this year's competition are Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Turner, United States Army Intelligence and Security Command, and Spc. Paul Welte, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard).

Each of the 11 competitors has a sponsor and one such sponsor/competitor team was closer than most.

Competitor Sgt. Brandon A. Payne, 212 Military Police Detachment, MDW had his wife Sgt. Kristyn A. Payne, 212 MP Det., MDW as his sponsor during the competition.

"My wife is my number one fan and my biggest supporter," said Brandon. "I loved having her right by my side."

As a sponsor, the competitors are provided accurate, timely information, and other support needed to minimize the challenges associated with the competition.

"He is strong where I'm weak, and I'm strong where he's weak, said Kristyn. "We are like a rope. There are a lot of little pieces that pull us together, and make us a whole."

As fatigue set in and the competition hit its height, this dual military couple stayed closer than ever.

"This competition makes us stronger and builds us as a couple," said Kristyn. "I really admire him."

"She was right there during the ruck march and there during the M4 shooting range," said Brandon. "She was so helpful."

"We are a very professional dual military couple," said Kristyn. "We really learn from each other. When we are in uniform, we address each other as Sgt. Payne'."

Over the course of three days, the Soldiers were tested on their performance of the Army Physical Fitness Test, an appearance at a military selection board, weapons qualification, day and night land navigation, written exams, and Warrior task testing lanes.

"I've never done anything like this before," said Brandon. "I'm definitely working with great competitors."

Even though Payne did not win the best warrior competition, it will not deter him from wanting to compete in another competition that will test his military skills.

"I've learned a lot, and now know my strengths and my weaknesses," said Brandon. "I definitely plan on coming back next year."

"He has the desire to learn as well as compete," said Kristyn. "This competition makes us stronger and builds us as a couple and I enjoy participating in events like this with him."

The winners of the MDW competition will now go on to compete in the Department of the Army's BWC Oct. 2012.

Related Links:

Joint Force Headquarters - Nation Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington

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