CAMP DARBY, Italy-The Camp Darby Soldier and NCO of the Year were selected after fierce competition in the Best Warrior Competition held March 6-8. The Soldier of the Year winner was Pfc. Patric Hoffman of the Livorno Dental Clinic, and the NCO of the Year was Sgt. Jonathan Santiago, a radiologist at the Livorno Health Clinic.
Soldier and NCO of the Year titles are always earned through hard work. An Army Physical Fitness Test kicked off the grueling three-day competition.
"The Soldiers and NCOs have been competing non-stop for the last 72 hours and have done an outstanding job representing their units," said Master Sgt. John Davis, Senior Enlisted Advisor.
The title of Best Warrior goes only to those Soldiers and NCOs who are Army strong, boarded and tested by written exam and essay.
Among the competitive events encountered, Soldiers had to perform a daytime land navigation and a night land navigation in the woods of Valle Benedetta, near Livorno.
"I think I did well in land navigation," said Cpl. Aaron Layne, 511th MP Platoon. "I participated in the Best Warrior Competition last year, but being the navigation points are different this year, it did not really help much."
Day two of the Best Warrior Competition included competitive shooting and warrior task tests such as searching vehicles for explosive devices and tactical combat casualty care.
"This is a great training that will enhance Soldiers' proficiency and prepare them for future combat operations," said Command Sgt. Maj. Cynthia Howard, 598th Transportation Brigade.
Howard emphasized the advantages of Soldiers training to standard rather than to time constraints.
"This was a great competition, not too hard," said Spc. William Ith, 511th MP Platoon. "The best aspect of the training is the team building."
"This was a very successful competition," said Master Sgt. Tadley Peterson, one of the designated evaluators of Warrior tasks. "I noticed that Soldiers were highly motivated and performed to high levels."
The 12-mile foot march was probably the hardest physical test of the competition, according to participants.
"The hardest was without doubt the 12-mile march with a 30-pound pack. It was hard, physically and mentally, but it was also the best part," said Sgt. Kensley Bell, 598th Trans. Bde.
"I made it to the end, and even though the other competitors had already completed their march, they came back to support me. This really is incredible esprit de corps. I would have done it for anybody, but seeing this reciprocated is the best thing that could happen during a competition," she said.
Bell was the only female in the competition. She said she was honored to participate, and the competition was stiff.
Soldier of the Year Hoffman finished only eight points ahead of the runner-up Soldier.
Hoffman joined the Army eight months ago and was very proud of his accomplishment, he said.
"Right now I feel relieved, but my body is destroyed. I demonstrated to myself that I could do it and I am happy for that. I believe anyone can do anything if they really want to," said Hoffman.
Hoffman was grateful to all the NCOs who helped him by being on his side and providing great camaraderie.
NCO of the Year Santiago has been in the Army for four years, but this was the first time he competed, he said.
"It is all about staying ready," said Santiago. "I need to show my Soldiers the standards we have to live up to, and I think I just did it."
Santiago thanked his leadership for believing in him and Sgt. Maj. Daisy Jackson of 839th Transportation Battalion, who came out to run the 12-mile march with him as a sign of support.
"This is just a stepping stone for me. This competition pushes you forward," said Santiago.
Sgt. Kensley Bell, 598th Trans. Bde., was recognized as NCO of the Year for her unit.
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