The inaugural All-Army Alpha Warrior team took second place at the 2019 Alpha Warrior inter-service battle challenge on Sept. 14 in San Antonio, Texas.
"We left it all out there and we did a phenomenal job," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Gabayan, a quartermaster officer at Fort Bragg. "Our accomplishment is a testament to our training and dedication to what we do every day as U.S. Army Soldiers."
Soldiers from all over the world came together the week before the final to train for the rigorous obstacle course competition put on by Alpha Warrior.
"It feels amazing to represent the U.S. Army at this competition," said Sgt. Elizabeth Chafee-Cox, a master gunner candidate at Camp Mabry. "The caliber of athletes is wicked and I appreciate that All-Army truly means all of the Army. We have Soldiers from Europe, Army bases and the National Guard, it is all-inclusive."
The team was made up of Soldier-athletes who have extensive fitness backgrounds including cross fit and marathon training. Two members even competed on the television show "American Ninja Warrior."
"I used to be a really small skinny kid, but in college I started power lifting and doing cross fit," said Gabayan. "When I turned 21 I applied to compete in 'American Ninja Warrior' and I've done that for the past two years."
The team of eight first competed in the qualifications competition and had six Soldier-athletes move on to the finals to compete against the Air Force and Navy. In the finals there were six heats with three service members competing in each heat; one to represent each branch of the military present.
"The finals were grueling but also fun. There is nothing like being in an environment that showcases people who represent their service and the fitness world," said Lt. Col. Eric Palicia, an engineer at USAG Wiesbaden. "The most important thing about the competition is being a positive example for young Soldiers and even peers to show that you can be in the Army or any branch of the military and have a successful career and a lifetime of fitness."
Palicia competed against his brother, who is in the Air Force, during his heat.
The Soldier-athletes agreed that the rig and competition is a great way to prepare for the new Army Combat Fitness Test.
"This competition enables readiness for Soldiers because it prepares you for the ACFT," said Chafee-Cox. "You cannot ace a fitness test now by just being a fast runner or doing push-ups quicker. You need functional fitness. This style of working out is going to make everyone more successful."
Mark Juliano, the team coordinator and coach, organized the team after hearing about the inter-service battle.
"I immediately called up one of our great All-Army coaches, Col. Liam Collins," said Juliano, a program analyst for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "Collins gave me insight on what we were looking for and we opened up applications online. The team has been fantastic and I love serving the Soldiers."
The All-Army team and program in general is one of the many unique opportunities that the U.S. Army offers.
"This event is phenomenal. It maintains and builds morale, and it is cool to see something outside of the normal everyday aspects and pace of the Army," said Gabayan. "I had an absolute blast and I think everyone should participate in All-Army Sports whether it is softball, soccer or any other team. Soldiers should pursue what they love to do."
Gabayan took first place in his heat despite severely twisting his ankle on an obstacle mid-way through the race.
Installation Management Command leadership was among the crowd cheering for the team. Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa Judkins and the G8 Director, Brig. Gen. Mark Bennett, showed their support. All-Army Sports is part of IMCOM.
The 2019 All-Army Alpha Warrior team members: Sgt. Elizabeth Chafee-Cox, 2nd Lt. Christopher Gabayan, Lt. Col. Eric Palicia, Sgt. First Class Aaron Martin, Warrant Officer Christi Stephens, Maj. Nicole Solana, 1st Lt. Braden Leonard and Sgt. Bawnie Sutton.
For more information about All-Army sports, visit www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/sports-and-fitness/all-army-sports.
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