"He hit the ground running" is a phrase used to highlight those Soldiers who join a unit with an enthusiasm for the job and a determination for excellence that places them above their peers. It's an expression that describes bright, motivated leaders with a knack for initiative. According to Command Sgt. Maj. Uriah Popp, CSM for Medical Department Activity -- Alaska, never have the words been more accurate than when applied to 2nd Lt. Japheth Ng'ojoy.
Ng'ojoy, assigned as chief of Environmental Health at MEDDAC-AK is not only the Chief of the department, a competent and technically skilled officer, but he is also a champion.
Ng'ojoy hit the ground running upon his arrival at MEDDAC-AK from Beaumont Army Medical Center at Ft. Bliss, TX Dec. 2015, and shows no signs of stopping.
A member of the elite All Army Cross Country and Ten-Miler teams, Ng'ojoy holds the record for the fastest time achieved during the USARAK, Fort Wainwright Army Ten Miler Qualifier with a time of 55:04 and he led the All Army men's team to a first place win at the United States Armed Forces Sports Cross Country Team Challenge in Bend, Oregon. These teams exemplify the highest level of athletic skill within the military community and compete with other services, civilian, foreign military and professional teams in domestic and international events.
"Running is a hobby, it's something I want to do," says Ng'ojoy.
In October Ng'ojoy competed with Team USA in the 48th Annual World Military Marathon Championship in Turin, Italy where the team took 4th place overall and he placed 9th individually. Just one week later in Washington, D.C. Ng'ojoy demonstrated incredible mental resilience and physical endurance by qualifying for his fifth Army Ten-Miler where the Team Alaska men's team took 6th place out of 29.
"I look at the half," Ng'ojoy explained. "When I'm running a race, say a marathon, I'll push myself through the first half, and then clear it from my mind; forget it. Then I only have a half marathon in front of me, and that's easy."
This mental game allows him to focus entirely on running the final stretch.
Ng'ojoy received the team's best time, coming in at 53:51 which placed him 36th in the field overall.
Recreationally, Ng'ojoy enters races hosted by Fairbanks, Alaska, and took first place in the Midnight Sun Run June 18, 2016.
Running isn't the only event Ng'ojoy has been known to excel at, he's also been successful at military schools. Ng'ojoy graduated Air Assault School in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in August, and just two short days later, reported to contend for the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge.
"EFMB is widely accepted as one of the most difficult skill badges available to earn in the Army," says Popp, "and Ng'ojoy earned the badge just two days after graduating Air Assault School; a pretty daunting feat."
Ng'ojoy wasn't intimidated by the challenge of EFMB so soon after the physical demands of Air Assault School. He was able to stay motivated and by using a simple approach. "Start everything new," says Ng'ojoy. "Don't worry about how tired you are."
Two, two-week courses, two 12-mile ruck marches, and two skill badges later, Ng'ojoy went on to represent Bassett Army Community Hospital in the Best Medic Competition hosted at Joint Base Lewis-McChord last month.
These are only a few of Ng'ojoy's accomplishments since arriving at Bassett last year.
"His dedication to physical excellence, honorable competition, and the overall mission of Bassett are a stunning example of the motivation and commitment that is crucial to the leaders of today's Army," says Popp. "His actions bring respect and triumph to Bassett ACH and I have no doubt he will continue to lead from the front."
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