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Copyright 2013 Capital Gazette Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved Maryland Gazette |
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October 23, 2013
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B; Pg.2
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575 words
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| First Army soldiers endure challenges to earn proficiency badge |
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FORT MEADE PAO
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Camaraderie and fitness go hand-in-hand as soldiers from First Army Division East's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment discovered when they began the arduous and demanding journey to earn the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge. Five soldiers from First Army Division East, which is headquartered at Fort Meade, joined more than 350 participants in this year's competition held over several months this summer at Fort Meade and in various locations in Virginia. Sgt. 1st Class Robert Begley, operations noncommissioned officer in the Division East Operations section who has earned medals in previous years, earned a silver medal this year. "The competition always pushes a soldier to reach his limits," he said. "The events change, and the difficulty seems to increase as the years go by." Established in 1980, the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency is presented to service members who complete a variety of mandatory physical and mental challenges, including the flexed-arm hang, shuttle sprints, and the 100-meter swim in uniform. German Sgt. Maj. Sven Theede, a member of the Bundeswehr, the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, proctored most of First Army Division East's events. "There were over 360 registered U.S. service members, which is up 100 from last year," Theede said of the recent testing. "We had 26 German soldiers participate in the foot march as well." Theede and other members of the Bundeswehr provide opportunities for U.S. service members to earn the badge by establishing guidelines, issuing the annual competition rules and requirements, and proctoring the events. After participants completed all the events, Theede tallied the points and awarded bronze, silver and gold proficiency badges on Sept. 26 in Reston, Va. "The German Armed Forces put together a great event," said Capt. Steven Lim, First Army Division East Intelligence Operations officer. "It was well planned, resourced and executed. The new events were a challenge for most candidates. The post-ceremony activities were well received." Staff Sgt. Francisco Medina, First Army Division East, said the competition did a lot more than show off the physical abilities of the soldiers who compete. "I really enjoyed the whole experience," Medina said. "It's always fun to do any activity that builds morale and camaraderie with other members of the unit. We pushed each other as much as possible to make sure everyone gave the competition their all." Once scores were totaled, and the Bundeswehr ensured all standards were met, awards were handed out. Every soldier from First Army Division East received an award. After the ceremony, soldiers were treated to a bit of German culture, enjoying German food and music from a German band. Facebook town hall A Facebook town hall will with Garrison Commander Col. Brian Foley will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 30. The town hall is a chance to chat with garrison leaders by posting your questions, comments and suggestions on the Fort Meade Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/ftmeade during the town hall. Retiree appreciation The 38th annual Fort Meade Retiree Appreciation Day has been rescheduled and will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at McGill Training Center, 8452 Zimborski Ave. This event provides military retirees and their family members with valuable information pertaining to their rights, benefits and privileges. For details, call the Retirement Services Office at 301-677-9603. |
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Left, Maj. Daniel Tower, First Army Division East plans officer, prepares himself as Staff Sgt. Francisco Medina, First Army Division East, executes the flexed-arm hang event at Mullins Field. The arduous competition was held over several months on Fort George G. Meade and in various locations in Virginia.
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October 22, 2013
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