• Skip to Content

New York National Guard

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

NY Army Guard Sgt. Adam Crist, a Grand Island resident, named Best Warrior for New York National Guard

CAMP SMITH, New York (04/10/2023) — New York Army National Guard Sgt. Adam Crist, a Grand Island resident, was named top non-commissioned officer during the New York Army Guard's Best Warrior Competition held at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill in the Hudson Valley, April 3 to 6.

The annual competition tests contestants' military knowledge, physical fitness, marksmanship with a rifle, pistol and machine gun, and their endurance.

The winners in the enlisted Soldier and NCO categories go on to represent New York at the Northeast Region Best Warrior Contest. That event will be held in Bangor Maine from May 15 to 19.

Crist, who enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2018, currently serves as a full-time personnel NCO for the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Specialist Philip Stevenson, the winner in the junior enlisted Soldier category is also a member of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment.

Soldiers tackling the Best Warrior contest must complete the Army Combat Fitness Test with the highest score possible and complete a 12-mile forced march will field pack and weapon.

They are tested on their military knowledge in front of a board of experience enlisted leaders and presented with hands on challenges ranging from dealing with a simulated wound, to taking apart and M-17 pistol blindfolded.

The Soldiers also competed for the German Military Proficiency Badge, which involves many of the same events. In addition, they take a timed swimming test with their uniform on.

Crist worked as an emergency medical technician the Twin City Ambulance Corporation from 2017 to 2021.

He is also affiliated with the Grand Island Fire Company and the United State Practical Shooting Association.

He is a trained as an Army medic and personnel administrator and has also taken the Army's Basic Military Mountaineering Course.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon.

Media Attachments

Sergeant Adam Crist, a Grand Island resident, is the winner in the non-commissioned officer category of the New York Army National Guard's annual Best Warrior competion.

New York National Guard Sgt. Adam Crist, right, the top non-commissioned officer at the New York Army National Guard's Best Warrior competition, and Spc. Philip Stevenson the top junior enlisted Soldier, at left, finish the 12-mile road march during the competition at Camp Smith Training Site on April 6, 2023. Both men are assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment based at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. (New York National Guard photo by Spc. Joseph Liggio)


AC
Adam
Crist
  • technology education
  • Grand Island, N.Y.
PS
Philip
S.

New York National Guard

Col. Richard Goldenberg, 518-786-4581

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Hampton Bays resident Jesse J. Fritz promoted to colonel in the New York Air National Guard
  • Schroon Lake resident Andrew Valenza promoted to sergeant first class in New York Army National Guard
  • New York Naval Militia conducts training in the Hudson River from May 30 to June 2 near Iona Island.
  • Springville resident Eric Emerling retires after 20 years of Army and Army National Guard service
  • 42nd Infantry Division fallen honored in wreath laying ceremony at noon on Saturday, May 23 in Garden City
  • New York National Guard headquarters marks Memorial Day with a late morning ceremony on Thursday, May 21
  • Lt. Col. Adam Connolly, a Montrose resident, takes command of NY Army Guard artillery battalion
  • Col. Joseph Roos, a Manlius resident, retires after 30 years in the Air Force and NY Air National Guard
  • The Hebron United Presbyterian Church will hosting an emergency preparedness class on Tuesday, May 26
  • The Acra Senior Center in Cairo is hosting free emergency preparedness training at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21.
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out