by Sergeant Gretchen N. Goodrich

     While some say that winning isn’t everything, for the 12 competitors of the 35th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Brigade’s 2009 Soldier, Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) and Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) of the Year competition, winning meant everything.

     The winners of this year’s intense three-day competition were honored during a brief dinner ceremony at Osan Air Base, Korea, on 7 May 2009.

     Staff Sergeant Rebecca Moreau of C Battery, 4th Battalion, 5th ADA (C/4-5ADA), took home the NCO of the Year title for the brigade while Specialist James Holmes also with C/4-5 ADA, won Soldier of the Year (SOY). Private First Class Park, Hyo Shin, likewise assigned to C/4-5 ADA, won the KATUSA of the Year honors.

At left, Staff Sergeant Rebecca Monreau takes apart a .50 Cal during the warrior tasks portion of the competition. At right, Specialists Micah Goodrich and James Holmes struggle to secure an arm bar during the combatives competition. (Photos by Sergeant Gretchen N. Goodrich.)

     During the three-day event, the Air Defenders competed in rigorous events, testing their military skills, knowledge, physical fitness, and overall agility to walk away as the best warrior in their particular division. Despite aching muscles and fatigue, three warfighters walked away with the bragging rights for the year ahead.

     The Air Defenders started the competition with an early-morning physical fitness test followed by several warrior tasks including a timed mission oriented protective posture gear exchange, evaluation of a casualty, reporting intelligence information, calling in a medical evacuation request over a tactical radio, and disassembling and reassembling an Mk19 grenade launcher, M2 Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun and an M249 squad automatic weapon.

     Despite a busy morning, the competitors had to finish off the first day by locating five of seven points on the land navigation course.

     Competitors tested their physical stamina again on day two by trekking a 9-mile road march with 35 pounds strapped to their back. Despite exhaustion, the warfighters finished the day with weapons qualification range fire and a night land navigation course.

     The Air Defenders wrapped up the competition with a combatives tournament and a board appearance that tested their overall understanding and knowledge of military information.  Following the board, a barbeque was held in their honor.

     Even though only three were distinguished with the title of winners, everyone who participated in the competition, realized a certain sense of accomplishment.

     “For one thing, participating in these events distinguishes the competitors from their peers,” said 3-2 ADA Command Sergeant Major Bryan A. Pinkney.  “This competition recognizes the best of the best from within the brigade.”

     As the best of the best, the winners still remained humble in their accomplishment.

     “It’s knowing that out of an entire brigade of outstanding Soldiers, that you are the best,” said Holmes.  “It’s a real honor.”

     “It’s a pride thing (to win) not only for myself but for my family too, in knowing that you’re the top NCO,” said Moreau.

     As the champions of the challenge, the winners will go on to represent the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in the Eighth Army competition in June.