Amherst resident Peter Fillion wins New York Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition

LATHAM, New York (04/25/2024) — New York National Guard Sgt. Peter Fillion, an Amherst resident, won the New York Army National Guard's Best Warrior Competition in the junior enlisted category.

Fillion, who is assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry, will now go on to compete in the northeast regional best Warrior Competition which begins on May 13.

That event is being conducted by the New York National Guard and some of the competition events will take place at the New York National Guard training area in Youngstown on May 15.

The three-day event tests Soldiers physical fitness, military knowledge, marksmanship, military skills, and tactical abilities. The event finishes with a 12-mile timed march in which the Soldiers carry a weapon and a full pack.

Fillion, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2021, competed in the junior enlisted category. He was promoted to sergeant just before the competition.

Another 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Travis Wood, a resident of Basom in Genesee County, won in the non-commissioned officer category.

Fillion said he enjoyed the competition.

"It's a great move in the right direction and a big challenge, but it was a lot of fun as well... just having the opportunity to improve myself," Fillion said.

Fillion, who is an infantryman, was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in recognition of his accomplishment.

He has previously been awarded the Army Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the New York State Humane Service Medal.

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