Corrected: James Wilson competes in New York National Guard's Best Warrior event
Brooklyn resident recognized as best in his command competed to be best in New York State
Latham, NY (04/03/2017) — The best Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard recently completed the state's Best Warrior Competition March 30 to April 1 at the Camp Smith Training Site near Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.
Nine Soldiers, nominated from across the commands of the New York Army National Guard, competed for selection as the best Soldier and Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.
Participating in the competition this weekend was Sgt. James Wilson from Brooklyn, N.Y. (postal code 11223). Wilson is assigned to the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade.
"All competitors performed with skill and heart in this contest," commented New York State Command Sergeant Major David Piwowarski, the senior enlisted advisor for the state.
Competitive events included two types of fitness tests, qualification and courses of fire on three weapons, a formal appearance before a board of NCOs, a written test, individual Soldier task testing, a lane which incorporated maneuver, Soldier tasks and live fire under stress, a swim test, a mystery task, day and night land navigation, and an air movement to and from a 12-mile road march with combat gear and a 35-pound rucksack over difficult terrain.
Although Wilson was not the overall winner of the competition, Piwowarski presented all the competitors with a military challenge coin in appreciation of their hard work and competitive spirit.
After the completion of the demanding three day schedule, the state awarded its honors to Sgt. Mitchell Stogel as the New York Army National Guard NCO of the Year and recently promoted Sgt. Mitchell Cooper as Soldier of the year.
Stogel is an infantryman assigned to the Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry in New York City while Cooper is an infantryman with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry in Ithaca, N.Y.
These winners will be recognized April 22 at the Enlisted Association of NY Service Member Awards Dinner, to be held in Schenectady, N.Y.
They will go on to compete in the National Guard's regional competition April 24-28 at Fort Dix, N.J. and if successful, will compete to be the best in the entire National Guard July 17-21 at the Army Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Ripley, Minnesota.
Media Attachments
New York Army National Guard Sgt. James Wilson
New York National Guard
Sgt. Maj. Corine Lombardo, 518-786-4581Share this Story
Recent News
- Two Airman assigned to NY Air Guard's 105th Airlift Wing brave cold during Minnesota training course
- Clifton Park Airman is named New York Air National Guard Company Grade Officer of the Year
- NY Air Guard's 109th Airlift Wing moves 1,086 passengers and millions of pounds of supplies across Antarctica during 2025-26 mission season
- NY National Guard's "Fighting 69th" Infantry leads New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade for the 175th Time
- NY Air Guard Senior Master Sgt. John McGhee, a Bay Shore resident, wins New York Air Guard statewide honor
- NY Air National Guard Col. Andrew J. Wineberger, a Southold resident, Retires from 106th Rescue Wing After 39 Years of Service
- Officer assigned to Troy-based 42nd Infantry Division dies of undetermined causes in a non-combat incident while serving in Kuwait
- NY National Guard announces the death of Major Sorffly Davius of non-combat causes while serving in Kuwait
- NY Army Guard officer Sean Flynn, a Delmar resident, plays key role in NATO Joint Force Command headquarters
- New York State Military Museum director retires after 22 years of service