Sgt. Luke Birtch from Springfield and Spc. Nathan Johnson from Arlington Heights recently shone at the Illinois Army National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition. Birtch, a nursing student at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, won “Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year.” Johnson, an economics major at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, secured the title of “Soldier of the Year.” This prestigious event took place from April 3-6 at the Sparta Training Area.
Both winners are gearing up for the Regional Best Warrior Competition set for Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, from April 30 to May 4. Remarkably, this is the second consecutive win for Johnson at the state level.
This year’s competition saw two soldiers from the Polish Territorial Defense Force join in, thanks to the Illinois National Guard’s State Partnership Program established in 1993. This collaborative relationship is seen as exemplary. Polish Army Senior Warrant Officer Michal Marciszewski finished second in the NCO category, while Private Dawid Szuman took second place for Soldier of the Year.
Birtch praised the Polish competitors, noting, “They were both physically and mentally tough. Very professional.” Johnson echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about the cultural exchange and camaraderie built during the event. Szuman remarked that competitions like this one should be more frequent to foster better cooperation between allies.
Marciszewski shared insights, highlighting the mutual benefits of cross-training. “Both U.S. Soldiers and Polish Soldiers had the opportunity to enhance their capabilities in warfighting, weapons systems, and communication,” he stated.
The competition tested a range of skills including physical endurance, tactical knowledge, and leadership. Despite challenging weather conditions, with heavy rain and flooding, the competitors pushed through. Johnson, a chemical specialist with the 135th Chemical Company, noted, “It was tougher than last year.” He feels better prepared for the regional event and aims to bring his best effort.
Birtch’s preparation was rigorous. He trained by marching with a heavy rucksack and also balanced this with his work as an EMT and a nurse technician. His ambition? To become an Army trauma surgeon. “I’m proud to represent my unit and my state at the next level,” he shared. His dedication reflects a commitment to both personal and military service goals.
Johnson, on the other hand, is eyeing a future as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot. He’s also considering opportunities presented by commissioned officers to advance his military career. Outside the army, he aspires to work as a pilot, possibly in emergency medical services.
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Kelly commended the participants, stating, “I can’t say enough how proud I am of what you’ve accomplished. The skill set you brought here is outstanding.” This competition not only recognizes top-performing soldiers but also emphasizes the importance of preparedness and inspires others to reach high standards.
The Best Warrior Competition plays a vital role in building excellence within the Illinois Army National Guard. It encourages soldiers to learn from each other, fostering strong ties among military personnel, both domestic and international.
Highlights from the competition included the participation of several competitors. Among them were Staff Sgt. Cameron Skaja, Sgt. Tobias James, and Sgt. Carlos Rangel representing different brigades.
This event serves as a reminder of the dedication and skill within the armed forces, highlighting the values of resilience and partnership. For additional information, you can explore the full history of the Illinois National Guard’s State Partnership Program here for a deeper understanding of its impact.
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