JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – -- Representatives from all four military branches recently participated in the third annual Service Member of the Year competition here May 3-4.
Ranging in rank from junior enlisted to company grade officer, the 21 competitors were pushed to their physical and mental limits with challenges including a physical assessment, a ruck march and land navigation movement, firing range as well as an obstacle course and board appearance.
“We were looking for the overall strongest member, who could really sustain through these challenges,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Travis Mann, Fleet Readiness Center East Support and lead coordinator for the competition. “Not just who could make it through all the physical portions, but also have that composure and board presence.”
As the only tri-service installation in the Department of Defense and home to all five branches, MDL has a unique opportunity to bring each service together in a joint environment.
“One of our main goals was to build esprit de corps,” said Master Sgt. Nathaniel Bridgewater, 87th Medical Support Squadron superintendent and event co-coordinator. “Our installation is unique already – but now more than ever we need to know that we can call on each other before we need it in a combat zone.”
During the award ceremony, hundreds of service members attended to show their support for their respective service and competitor. Each category hosted one winner and one runner-up, and competitors were separated by single-digit points, said Mann.
“This is meant to build morale, but these members definitely came to win,” said Mann. “Everyone brought their best effort.”
The competitors were not the only ones given a chance to work closely with their sister services. Members up and down the chain were also able to learn the language of their counterparts, Mann said.
“Really this is all about networking,” said Mann. “It makes us stronger as a whole, as a base, and it just opens doors.”
With the first three competitions hailing such success and calling more competitors each year, joint base leadership hopes to keep the tradition of braiding the services together to bridge the gaps between the branches.
“It’s just a great time to bring everyone together,” said Bridgewater. “It’s an opportunity to embrace this joint base culture.”
Junior Enlisted:
1st Place (Winner): Petty Officer Third Class Evan Bostrom - US Navy
2nd Place (Runner Up): Specialist Shawn Warner - US Army
Noncommissioned Officer:
1st Place (Winner): Technical Sergeant David Troche - US Air Force
2nd Place (Runner Up):Technical Sergeant James Mitchell - US Air Force
Senior Noncommissioned Officer:
1st Place (Winner): Sergeant First Class Clifton Hall - US Army
2nd Place (Runner Up): Master Sergeant Kimberly Kaminski - US Air Force
Company Grade Officer:
1st Place (Winner): Captain Andrew Harshbarger - US Army
2nd Place (Runner Up): Second Lieutenant Chase Chemero - US Air Force