FORT CAMPBELL, Ky.(CLARKSVILLENOW)- Blanchfield Army Community Hospital recognized its top NCO and Soldier of the Year during an award ceremony Friday, Jan. 19.
Sgt. Olivia Barker, assigned to LaPointe Army Medical Home and Spc. Ryan Washington, assigned to the hospital’s Optometry department, were named NCO and Soldier of the Year, respectively.
Both soldiers competed in nine events with fellow candidates from the hospital and outlying medical homes. The competition, held over a three-day period, was even more grueling because the outdoor events were held during the community’s recent snowfall and below-freezing temperatures.
“It was definitely cold and made for an interesting challenge, but we endured the challenge together. It was a lot of work and everyone did a great job competing out there,” said Barker, who has served in the Army for five years. During the ceremony, Blanchfield’s hospital commander awarded Barker and Washington the Army Commendation Medal for their achievement.
In addition to their regular duties, Barker and Washington, and runner-up’s Sgt. Ian French and Spc. Karl Brown, will train for the Regional Health Command-Atlantic Best Warrior Competition later this year. The NCO and Soldier of the Year will represent Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, with French and Brown serving as alternates.
“It was fun and challenging. I enjoyed my time out there in the cold. Now I’m going to continue studying, training with my NCOs and do my best to get to the next level as well,” said Washington, who joined the Army in 2015. The hospital’s NCO/Soldier of the Year Competition consisted of nine events including Army Physical Fitness Test, Land Navigation, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, Basic Rifle Marksmanship Qualification Range, written exam and essay, selection board appearance and mystery events.
The Regional Health Command-Atlantic Best Warrior Competition will be held at Fort Stewart, Georgia, March 25-30.