NY Army National Guard Specialist Zachary VanKoevering, a Newark resident, receives Army Achievement Medal

Camp Smith Training Site, New York (10/30/2020) — New York Army National Guard Specialist Zachary VanKoevering, a Newark, resident, has been awarded the Army Achievement Medal.

VanKoevering was recognized for being picked as a Best Warrior by the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment which is based in Niagara Falls, but has elements in many locations.

VanKoevering received the medal from Command Sgt. Major Anthony McLean during the Best Warrior competition conducted by the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill on October 24.

VanKoevering, who is assigned to the 101st's A Troop, represented the unit in a competition against Soldiers from across New York held October 22, 23, and 24.

The Best Warrior competition tests a Soldiers military knowledge, physical fitness, land navigation skills, and marksmanship. Each major unit in the New York Army National Guard selects two Best Warriors-a junior enlisted Soldier and a non-commissioned officer-to compete in a statewide event held in the spring.

The winner of that event competes in a regional competition and the winner of the region competition competes against the Best Warriors from other areas of the country to be the best in the Army National Guard.

This year the regional competition was won by two New York Army National Guard contestants who went on to compete at the National Guard level.

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