NY Army Guard Staff Sgt. Alexander Sanchez, a Baldwinsville resident, to compete in New York Best Warrior event
Latham, NY (03/18/2022) — New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Alexander Sanchez, a Baldwinsville resident, will represent the National Guard's 153rd Troop Command at the Guard's Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Center near Peekskill in April.
Sanchez who works as a system administrator in civilian life, is a member of the 222nd Military Police Company which is based at the Patriot Way Armory in Rochester.
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.
Sanchez 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.
Sanchez has served in the New York Army National Guard since 2013.
His awards include the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon.
Sanchez has participated in the New York National Guard response to the COVID-19 pandemic at state testing site in Rochester and deployed to Puerto Rico during a hurricane response mission in 2017.
Media Attachments
U.S Army Sgt. Alexander Sanchez, a military policeman assigned to the 222nd Military Police Company performs a standing-power throw as a part of the Army Combat Fitness Test during the 53rd Troop Command Best Warrior Competition at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y. on February 21, 2020. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jonathan Pietrantoni)
New York National Guard
Col. Richard Goldenberg, 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