Local National Guard unit brings home third place in Commander's Cup

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- Staff Sgt. Daniel Schaab said they were gunning for first, but they'll happily settle for third, especially considering they finished near the bottom last year.

The Missouri National Guard Recruit Sustainment Program's Company E, of Cape Girardeau, came in third place, showing superior Army skill and overcoming extreme heat in the Commander's Cup event. Last year, Company E came in eighth.

"We definitely thought we had a legitimate shot for first place this year," said Schaab, the program's area coordinator. "We fell just a bit short, but we're showing definite signs of improvement and now we know exactly what we need to do better next time. We're making progress and getting better and that's what matters."

The event was held over a weekend at Fort Leonard Wood, beginning June 26. Company G of St. Louis came in first place, followed by Company I of Festus. A total of nine companies competed for top honors in the bragging-rights event.

Maj. Craig Gatzemeyer, program commander, was pleased for Company G and proud of all the Soldiers who participated.

"You could tell how proud they were of themselves, and that's the biggest thing," said Gatzemeyer, who lives in Jackson. "We don't really care who wins; but to see the pride that coordinator had in his company and to see the pride those kids had because they had never won it before, that's outstanding. We've got something good going when you see some disappointment in the other kids because they didn't win. They have bought into this competition."

More than 400 Soldiers competed in the competition which included an Army physical fitness test, a 25-point test on common task training, drill attendance, drill and ceremony, and a tug-of-war. The competition was weighted toward drill attendance and the Army physical fitness test, Gatzemeyer said.

"We put the biggest emphasis on drill attendance because getting the new Soldiers here is the most important thing," Gatzemeyer said.

Several of the Soldiers said they had a lot of fun.

"I learned a lot about myself and my abilities in one weekend," said Pvt. Courtney Woodworth, of St. Charles. "I go to basic training next week, and I'm so thankful for this type of training and activities that give me experience before I go. We were very motivated. The coordinators and recruiters are amazing. I wouldn't be where I'm at mentally and physically today if it wasn't for them."

Pfc. Patrick Bishop, of St. Louis, agreed.

"The things we got to do this weekend are really good because it builds our Soldier skills," said Bishop, who has been part of the program for about a year. "Even though I've already been to basic training, I feel there are experiences and skills I can pass on and help other Soldiers; and I still get to push myself on weekends like this one."

Gatzmeyer also was happy that the weekend ended without any heat-related injuries.

"We were in heat category five by 10 a.m. Saturday, and to train all day and have nobody injured is a big accomplishment," Gatzemeyer said. "That's a major accomplishment when you've got kids who aren't acclimated to the weather. I was very pleased with the way the weekend turned out."

Gatzemeyer said he was continually impressed with the attitudes of the new Soldiers in the grueling heat and expressed his pride in that they are among the 1 percent of people in the United States to serve proudly in the military.

"The motivation from the Soldiers and the buddy system Soldier care was outstanding," Gatzemeyer said. "We want them to be competitive, but motivation is the biggest thing we're after because we are trying to get them to understand that they are part of a bigger organization. So by getting them in these environments and getting them motivated, they become a part of that bigger picture."

Sgt. 1st Class Randall Johnson, program manager, said seeing the new Soldiers mature moved him.

"It gives you a whole inspiration for the future," he said. "We want to train somebody to take our place. That's what we do."

The Recruit Sustainment Program teaches new recruits basic Army skills and values. Through the program, they become more familiar with their role as Soldiers in the Missouri Army National Guard.

The Commander's Cup competition has been held at least twice a year at Fort Leonard Wood since 2005, usually in June and October.

"It really gives the Soldiers a taste of what life in the military will be like," he said. "It's our job to get them ready for basic training and that's what an event like this does. It was really an awesome weekend and I believe a lot of our guys took a lot away from it."

Unit Public Affairs Representative Michelle Queiser contributed to this release.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-888-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.