JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Washington -- Bayonet Week returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 6-9, as an interdivision competition that tested skills and athletic abilities of Soldiers within the 7th Infantry Division in various sporting challenges.
Like a mini Olympic challenge, Soldiers represented their respective brigades through team competitions, which reaffirmed Army readiness through mental and physical challenges while building esprit de corps across Task Force Bayonet.
"The purpose of this week was to build the team," said Maj. Gen. Thomas S. James, commanding general of 7th Infantry Division, as he addressed his Soldiers at the closing ceremony. "In every event I visited and the dinner, I saw the intended results. In our business, winning is the only option. Healthy team building competition is critical to our business. It's not just a job; it's our profession, it's everything that we do."
James added that Bayonet Week served as a key component leading into unveiling of the Bayonet Athlete Program, which emphasizes core fitness, combative competition, being in shape, being aggressive and deployable.
Soldiers participated in more than a dozen events that included a color guard, tug-of-war competition, marksmanship, basketball and softball. Using a points system of first, second and third place the top finishers earned points to boost their brigade's overall score.
The week was also a time for the force behind the 'Force' to be appreciated across 7th ID. The Army recognizes families directly contribute to the readiness of Soldiers. Bayonet Week afforded families the opportunity to cheer on their loved ones and view displays of multiple military vehicles and equipment.
Jolene Hedrick, a mother of two, brought her children to cheer on their dad, Spc. Harold Hedrick, competing in softball, with 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th ID. Hedrick said since arriving at JBLM, she tried to attend all of his softball games, to show her support for her husband and his unit.
"Being here to give my support feels great," said Hedrick. "I feel he can work and have fun with his unit too. Plus, the kids get to see their dad having fun and loving what he does. It teaches them to aim for the same thing; to love what they do and have fun doing it."
In the end, 2-2 SBCT, "Lancer Brigade" captured the trophy for best brigade of Bayonet Week, edging out 1-2 SBCT "Ghost Brigade" and 555th Engineer Brigade, "Triple Nickel" who finished second and third respectively.
"Whether you competed or you just rooted for your comrades, you all made a difference," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jack H. Love, senior enlisted advisor for 7th ID, during the closing ceremony.
Love also thanked the Soldiers in attendance for their participation and for their service to the Army. He stressed that Bayonet Week was something he, the commanding general, and brigade commanders want to continue annually.
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