Sheppard detachment competes in competitions at Fort Leonard Wood

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Pedro Tenorio
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. – A few individuals from a certain 82nd Training Wing detachment that brought honor to the wing earlier this year. Although it was in the earlier months of 2018, these individuals deserve to be noticed as part of the Sheppard team bringing the Air Force standard of excellence outside of Texas.

Two events that were held at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where the 782nd Training Group Detachment 1 sent out individuals to participate. These individuals were acknowledged by senior leadership of the Fort Leonard Wood detachment, who were proud of the Airmen who made the choice to make a conscious effort to strive for excellence.  

The first event the 782nd TRG representatives conquered was the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency. The GAFBMP is an annual event for German soldiers. Acquiring the badge is a prerequisite to become a German noncommissioned or commissioned officer. Although for Sheppard Airmen they just saw another mountain to climb.

That is when Capt. Andrew Jackson, the designated officer stationed at the Fort Leonard Wood detachment, gathered up his elite technical training instructor posse to follow him towards glory. The posse included Tech. Sgts., Kendall Drake, Tom Hartt, Dallas Heath, Douglas Macieko, Michael Imler, Michael Rich and Andrew Thurman.

With the squad assembled the 782nd then plunged into the GAFBMP’s three days of challenges.

Day one consisted of the German PT test, an 11x10 meter run, a pull-up hang and a 1000-meter run.

Day two challenged the participants with a morning 100-meter swim in ABUs in less than 4 minutes which included removing uniforms while in the water. In the afternoon came the pistol qualification, which they were given five shots to hit three targets 25 meters away. Each target must be hit at least once to qualify.

The final day began with a ruck march that was scored via distance traveled and finishing the GAFBMP participants conducted a combat lifesaver test all while donning and doffing nuclear, biological and chemical gear.

The 782nd came home not only with the silver badges they worked so hard for, but also with a renewed will for their fellow brothers-in-arms.

“To me, the biggest takeaway from the event was the camaraderie that was built going through the practice to lead up to the event,” Thurman said. “Each event had its own challenge and unlike our annual PT test, the German test pushes you to be good in multiple areas.”

The 782nd was not done showing off, though, as they also sent Tech. Sgt. Michael Imler to continue on his warrior path.

Imler, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first Air Force member in five years to win the Joint Service NCO of the Year at Fort Leonard Wood. For his dedication in studying everything from a 200-page joint publication to the chain of command for all four branches he was granted with the forced participation in the Best Warrior Competition. Something which he did not volunteer for, but it had caught his interest all the same.

“I love the concept because it brings it back to the basics,” Imler said. “No matter what their military occupational specialty is, they are all soldiers and need to maintain those skills throughout their career.”

Imler trained studiously to prepare for the challenge, from building his physical strength with fellow instructors like Tech. Sgt. Jerry Davis to gaining knowledge from the best Youtube can offer. Imler did not want to let his fellow Airmen down, especially those who helped him along the way.

“Being the first Air Force member in a while to compete, I honestly felt a lot of stress and pressure,” Imler said. “I just didn’t want to let my peers down. I was super anxious. I knew eyes were going to be on me being the only Air Force member.”

Imler was anxious, but he was also grateful to be given the chance to represent his wingmen in this challenge. The challenge was not easy though.

The BWC was a three day event which included land navigation, a ruck march, a Marine PT test, confidence courses, combatives, a 300-meter swim in uniform, shooting, a new unofficial Army PT test, and the dreaded – formal review board.

Imler stated that the competition was demanding on the body, but he was mentally focused on the moment, completing each event at 100 percent individually, even though they were thrown at him constantly. He also stated his supervisor, Master Sgt. Patrick Gallagher, was a big support during the competition.

With all said and done, Imler did not win the competition, but he did gain new perspective and drive.

“I have a much greater respect for what the Army does,” Imler said. “The underlying meaning behind the competition is readiness. Our Airman’s Creed says we are wingmen, leaders and warriors. I think re-enforcing those values is important.”