JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
Warrior medics from across Joint Base San Antonio battled it out for bragging rights, and a chance to take home the commander's sword and shield during the 59th Medical Wing’s Warrior Medic Challenge Nov. 4 at the Gillum Fitness Center and sports complex.
With 1,310 points, the 959th Medical Group from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston successfully defended their title, earning the right to be called champions for the second consecutive time; the 359th Medical Group’s 1,220 points earned them second place.
The Warrior Medic Challenge pits active-duty and civilian Airmen from the wing’s seven groups against each other in friendly rivalry. Each of the seven groups chose representatives to participate in various sporting events and challenges throughout the day.
The event promotes camaraderie amongst the units and boosts morale within the wing, said Candido Ramirez, 59th MDW Director of Staff and event coordinator.
“Our Warrior Medics work hard all year long providing health care to the more than 240,000 beneficiaries from throughout the San Antonio area,” said Ramirez. “Today, we’ve taken time to come together as a wing for some friendly competition that allows us to showcase our warrior ethos. My absolute favorite event was the seven way tug-of-war that had all seven groups pulling against each other at the same time. It was epic!”
The day-long affair also included a 59-mile cycling race, 5K/9K competitive run, basketball, volleyball and other sporting events, as well as the customary tug-of-war and the ultimate warrior medic challenge, a grueling six-event CrossFit-style competition. The day also included a barbecue lunch and talent competition.
For Senior Airman Kelyn Maldonado-Artica, a medic with the 959th Medical Operations Squadron, the entire day was a welcome break, but the ultimate warrior medic challenge was the most fun to watch.
“People were out there getting gritty,” she said.
“It’s not often we get the opportunity to come together as a wing,” said 59th MDW Commander Maj. Gen. Bart Iddins. “Today is about having fun, building solidarity and inspiring morale amongst our team, who work and train very hard to be the best. I’m proud of them and happy we got to let loose and have fun today.”
For full results and a complete scoreboard, visit
http://www.warriormedicchallenge.com. The next Warrior Medic Challenge is slated for November 2017. Who will reign supreme?