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Military Intelligence Brigade names its best warriors

By Capt. Kurt M. Rauschenberg, 58th EMIB Public Affairs Officer

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GLEN ARM, Md. (Feb. 22, 2016) — Each year, soldiers from around the state convene for a common purpose, winning the Maryland National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition. This year, eight soldiers within the units of the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade earned their way to compete for the brigade’s Best Warrior Competition held at Gunpowder Military Reservation on Feb. 20, 2016.

The competitors endured intensive board interviews, mastered Army warrior tasks and battle drills, displayed competency and proficiency on written exams, and ended the long day with a seven-mile foot march.

After the sweat and determination, three 58th EMIB warriors emerged triumphant to be recognized as this year’s best soldier, noncommissioned officer, and commissioned officer for the brigade.

Sgt. Christopher Onyski goes before a board interview with a panel of sergeants major during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

Sgt. Christopher Onyski goes before a board interview with a panel of sergeants major during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

Spec. Daniel Russo, 629th Military Intelligence Battalion; Sgt. Stephen Rzemyk, Headquarters Headquarters Company, 58th EMIB; and Capt. Michael Walker, 110th Information Operations Battalion, took home the win and earned their right to compete as Maryland National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition in March.

Command Sgt. Maj. James A. Nugent, the command sergeant major for the EMIB, thanked the competitors for their efforts.

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Sgt. Stephen Rzemyk, performs the seven-mile foot march during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

“This is tough work and it takes the absolute best to come out here to compete,” Nugent said. “I know every one of you will be highly competitive at the state competition, you’ll represent the brigade honorably and make this organization proud.”

One competitor, Sgt. Regina Tricoche, 629th MI BN, was thankful for the support from her sponsor and event cadre.

“The leaders who helped me get through this are amazing and I just felt better as a noncommissioned officer and leader because of their support,” Tricoche said.

Spec. Daniel Russo performs army warrior tasks during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

Spec. Daniel Russo performs army warrior tasks during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

Spec. Daniel Russo performs army warrior tasks during the 58th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade’s Best Warrior Competition in Glen Arm, Md., on Feb. 20, 2016.

After the competition concluded a ceremony took place to honor and recognize each of the participants with a brigade challenge coin for excellence and Army Achievement Medals for those named the brigade’s best warriors.

“These soldiers always exceed my highest expectations,” said brigade commander, Col. Brian T. Connelly. “Today they were determined to give their all and they are a true inspiration to this brigade.”

This is an historic year for the state competition because it includes participation from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a State Partnership Program nation since 2003.

As part of the Total Army’s Force Structure adjustments, the brigade recently completed a full transformation from a Battlefield Surveillance Brigade to the Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade. This year’s Best Warrior Competition is the 58th EMIB’s first under the new mission.