JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Soldiers throughout the 42nd Military Police Brigade competed against one another for the chance to be named the "The Protectors" Soldier, Noncommissioned Officer or Officer of the quarter on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Jan. 19-22.
Over the four days, the Soldiers faced various challenges ranging from a written essay to a 12-mile ruck march in an attempt to test their dexterity, strengths and knowledge of Army specific events and topics.
Of those participating in the competition, one Soldier stood out among the rest: Spc. Erin Sheasgreen, the only female competitor.
"I think I did a pretty good job at keeping up with the boys," said Sheasgreen, a test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment maintenance support specialist assigned to 542nd Support Maintenance Company, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 42nd MP Brigade. "Obviously there are some things that they are stronger at, but I still kept up with them. So I wouldn't say I had a disadvantage."
Each day of the competition required Soldiers to complete in multiple events, with the bulk of the physical challenges being done on the second day.
"Day two was the hardest, it was exhausting because you need so much endurance and strength to get through all of the walking, and the ruck march is really tough," said Sheasgreen. "But I just wanted to prove to myself that I could get through it and obviously I wanted to win."
The Soldiers did not have to face this challenge alone as each had a sponsor that was there for support and to add motivation, and Sheasgreen was accompanied by Sgt. John Figueroa, TMDE sergeant and squad leader, 542nd SMC.
"I feel great about Sheasgreen," said Figueroa. "She is the kind of Soldier I don't even have to push; she does it on her own! That's a self-sufficient Soldier right there."
Sheasgreen went on to complete the competition, and the fact that her competitors were physically larger only provided her with motivation to complete every event with confidence.
"I'll admit sometimes, if they are doing better than me at a physical portion, it sucks," said Sheasgreen. "But then I think that I am the smallest one here and I can keep up with the guys! Then I'm like 'oh yeah!'"
The winners of the board will be announced after a brigade breakfast in January, but until then many are beginning to form their own opinions on who will be walking off a winner.
"I believe she is going to be the winner of this board, for sure," said Figueroa. "I mean think about it, she kept up with all males doing a 12-mile ruck march in three hours and one minute! That's is 18th Airborne Corps standard right there. That's absolutely amazing."
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