Skip to Content

New York National Guard

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

Specialist Philip Stevenson, a Newfane resident, named top enlisted Soldier during New York Army Guard Best Warrior Competition

CAMP SMITH, New York (04/10/2023) — New York Army National Guard Specialist Philip Stevenson, a Newfane resident, and University of Buffalo student, was named the top junior enlisted Soldier 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.

Stevenson, who enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in July 2021, is an information technology specialist in the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, which is headquartered at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

The winner in the non-commissioned officer category, Sgt. Adam Crist of Grand Island, is also a member of the 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry.

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.

To compete in the statewide event, Stevenson had to win at the squadron and brigade level. He entered the competition because of the high regard that those who do well are held in, he said.

Along with going to college, Stevenson serves as the statistic keeper for the Newfane High School wrestling team.

Stevenson has been wrestling since he was 12-years old and would like to be a wrestling coach one day.

His military awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, and the sharpshoot marksmanship medal.

Media Attachments

Specialist Philip Stevenson, a Newfane resident, is the enlisted Soldier winner of the New York Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition for 2023.

New York National Guard Spc. Philip Stevenson, an information technology specialist with 2nd Squadron, 101st Cavalry Regiment, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, fires an M17 pistol during the 2023 State Best Warrior Competition on Camp Smith, N.Y., April 5, 2023. Stevenson was the winner of the competition's enlisted Soldier category.(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

  • New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs Annual Report for 2024 is now available on line.
  • 17-year-old student from Arlington High School takes part in Army Birthday ceremony on June 13 at NY National Guard headquarters
  • NY National Guard headquarters marks Army's 250th Birthday with a birthday cake cutting ceremony
  • NY Naval Militia hosts Swedish marine and naval officers studying maritime security in New York Harbor and Niagara River
  • Riverhead resident Timothy Daniel Malloy promoted to chief master sergeant in the New York Air National Guard
  • NY Air Guard Lt. Col. Marty Viera, a Rocky Point resident, takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's 103rd Rescue Squadron
  • New York Air Guard Lt. Col. Mark Wilborn, a Miami resident, retires after 31 years of service
  • Col. Steven Slosek, a Galway resident, takes command of New York Air Guard's109th Airlift Wing
  • Shawn Tabankin, a Clifton Park resident, is promoted to colonel in the New York Army National Guard
  • Port Jefferson resident takes command of 106th Rescue Wing's communications squadron
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out