North Dakota's 'Best Warriors' Put to the Test During State Competition

The North Dakota Army National Guard's top Soldiers this weekend slogged through an intense, sweltering four-day competition in 100-degree temperatures at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake, North Dakota. Fourteen Army Guardsmen representing the National Guard's major commands contended with an array of military challenges and Army skills tests to gauge their competency and grit Aug. 9-12 during the state's Best Warrior Competition.

When the winners were announced during the final day's awards ceremony, two Army Guardsmen had earned the opportunity to advance and represent North Dakota in future competitions. Staff Sgt. Justin Valenti, of Fargo, North Dakota, a member of the Fargo-based 191st Military Police Company, was the winner of the Best Warrior Competition in the noncommissioned officer category. In the enlisted-level competition, Spc. Casey Drege, of West Fargo, North Dakota, a member of the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge), took top honors.

"This competition is my favorite weekend of the year. I get to see great Soldiers come here and do great things. They give it their all, and even if they are not successful, they have a positive attitude. They move on with so much more knowledge, they are mentally and physically exhausted, but at the end of the weekend, they are always smiling," said Command Sgt. Maj. David Lien, state command sergeant major.

The regional competition, scheduled to be held in May 2019, will be hosted by staff and cadre at Camp Grafton Training Center here in North Dakota. Army Guardsmen from seven other states will compete, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Regional winners advance to compete in the All-Guard Competition and, if they win there, have the opportunity to compete in the All-Army Competition.