DAEGU, South Korea -- The 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Unit Ministry Team hosted the 8th Army Chaplain Assistant Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year Competition on Camp Walker, Feb. 9-10, to determine their best qualified chaplain assistants to represent 8A at United States Army Pacific.
All United States Army Chaplain Assistants on the Korean Peninsula were eligible to participate in the event. The NCO category involved Cpl. to Master Sgt. and the soldier category included Pvt. to Spc.
"This competition allows chaplain assistants to gain confidence, test their skill knowledge and be recognized for their proficiency," said Sgt. 1st Class. Sharlene M. Lynch, 19th ESC UMT NCO in charge.
Various units across the Peninsula participated in the competition to compete for the right to represent their commands at the USARPAC level competition. Units included Material Support Command -- Korea, 19th ESC UMT, 2nd Sustainment Brigade, 1st Signal Brigade, 65th Medical Brigade, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and United States Army Garrison -- Daegu.
On the first day, competitors assembled in Kelly Gym on Camp Walker to conduct the Army Physical Fitness Test. The test consisted of two-minutes each of push-ups and sit-ups followed by a timed two-mile run.
"Chaplain assistants should be both mentally and physically ready because they are the care-givers to units as well as the protectors of Chaplains, the only non-combatants in the Army," explained Lynch.
In the afternoon, competitors were divided into teams of two and tested on the Military Occupational Specialty skill level competency tasks by completing five stations at different locations. The tasks tested various capabilities such as teamwork, map reading, provision of crisis intervention and religious support to wounded or dying soldiers, and preparation for religious services.
The last hurdle was the board on the second day. It consisted of various questions to assess one's knowledge as an NCO or soldier.
The winners were announced shortly after the conclusion of the board. Staff Sgt. Jamie L. Proudfoot and Pfc. Shane Edwards, USAG Daegu, earned Chaplain Assistant NCO and Soldier of the year, respectively.
"I believe that having faith brought me to victory and I feel that God calmed me to do better," said Edwards. "Since there is no telling what will happen between duty, events, and everyday life, Chaplain Assistants ought to be prepared all the time."
The winners of the NCO and Soldier categories will now make adjustments to their training based on their performance in this event and stand ready for the next competition at the USARPAC level.
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