NY Army Guard Sgt. Zachary Marafioti, a Henrietta resident, to compete in New York Best Warrior event in April

Latham, NY (03/18/2022) — New York Army National Guard Sgt. Zachary Marafioti, a Henrietta resident, will represent the National Guard's 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at the Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Center near Peekskill in April.

Marafioti, who is an Muay Thai fighter and coach in civilian life, is a member of Alpha Troop of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry which is located in Geneva.

He serves on the New York Army National Guard Honor Guard, which provides military funerals for veterans.

The Best Warrior Competition, which will be held from April 6 to April 9, tests a Soldiers physical fitness, endurance, marksmanship, military knowledge and military skills. The competition picks a top enlisted Soldier and top non-commissioned officer.Marafiotti will compete in the non-commissioned officer category.

These Soldiers then compete in regional, national and all-Army competitions to pick the best enlisted Soldier and NCO in the entire Army for that year.

In 2021, New York Army National Guard Corporal Dakaotah Miller finished second in the Army National Guard's national event.

During the grueling competition, Soldiers take the Army Combat Fitness Test, participate in a 12-mile timed march carrying a weapon and loaded pack, test their ability to navigate across country, demonstrate their proficiency in skills like emplacing a land mine, treating a wounded Soldier, or making a radio call. They also take part in a tactical stress shoot in which they move and engage target with their M-4 rifle.

The Soldiers are also tested on their knowledge of military regulations and procedures before a board of senior non-commissioned officers.

The Soldiers also get the chance to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, which involves a few additional tests like pistol shooting and swimming in full uniform.

Marafiotti has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2015.

His awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Assault Badge.

He deployed to Ukraine in 2017-2018 as part of a NATO mission training the Ukrainian Army.

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