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.

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