BOEBLINGEN, Germany -- The 554th Military Police Company held the fourth annual "Clifton Challenge" at the Boeblingen Local Training Area Sep. 1, in honor of Cpl. Karen N. Clifton, 22 and native of Mount Zion, Il. Who was killed in Baghdad, Iraq on June 21, 2007 when her High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade injuring two other passengers in the vehicle.
"The soldiers out here competing tells a lot about their character," said 2Lt. Jonathan Chambless, platoon leader and event planner. "They are high speed, motivated and everybody loves a little competition."
The competition consisted of five events beginning with a modified Army Physical Fitness Test where soldiers wore Chemical, Biological Radiological and Nuclear gear for the 2-mile run. Other grueling events included a land navigation challenge, obstacle course, M4-stress shoot, 8-mile ruck march that had to be completed within 2 hours and finally a team knowledge board. With little to no breaks in between events, the entire challenge was physically and mentally grueling.
"I feel honored to be out here representing Cpl. Clifton since she was part of first platoon," said Spc. Jonathan Jerez. " She didn't quit in Iraq, so we are not going to quit out here."
The competition was built to test the soldiers' endurance and ability to work as a team and competitors were timed as a group, not as individual Soldiers. Clifton was known for her hard work and dedication and known for putting a smile on her teammates faces.
"We began the Clifton Challenge in 2013 and we hope to continue the tradition for years to come," said Chambless.
Clifton was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for her bravery and she continues to be in the hearts and minds of the 554th Military Company.
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