Led by Command Sgt. Maj. John Beleno, 650th Regional Support Group command sergeant major, Soldiers from the 650th RSG traveled to Fort Hunter Liggett to participate in the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Best Warrior Competition on March 16-19.

The Best Warrior Competition is an annual competition overseen by the Department of the Army as a means of identifying and recognizing Soldiers in active, special operations, National Guard and Army Reserve components of the United States Army.

The units that participated from the 650th RSG included the 483rd Transportation Battalion (Terminal), 238th Inland Cargo Transfer Company and the 306th Quartermaster Company. These units traveled many miles to prove their excellence. These Soldiers worked hard to prove their skills and came to compete among their peers.

“As senior leaders, this is an opportunity for us to train and mentor junior enlisted and young non-commissioned officers,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Beleno, 650th RSG command sergeant major. “With the high quality of Soldiers we have, I think we have a good chance to advance to the next levels of competition.”

The Soldiers who participated in the competition were Spc. Yshnan de Mello, 306th Quartermaster Company, 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Sgt. Michelle Padilla, 483rd Transportation Battalion (Terminal), Spc. Rudy Hernandez and Pfc. Alec Kelley, 238th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, 483rd Transportation Battalion (Terminal). All of these Soldiers gave their all in their efforts.

The events that the competitors endured was a Land Navigation course, both the APFT and ACFT, conducted a 9-Line Medivac drill, how to set up a radio for radio etiquette, the writing of two written essays, and underwent a Command Sergeant Major board dressed in the ASUs. All these tasks were also stress tests.

Spc. Yshnan de Mello, 306th QM Co, was named the 311th ESC junior enlisted Best Warrior winner. He is Petroleum Supply Specialist, and his unit is responsible for providing class III supplies to units, so equipment and mission keeps running smoothly.

“I wanted to compete in the BWC was because I wanted to be an example for my peers, subordinates and superiors. As I have gained knowledge and experience, I thought I could use them for this competition,” said de Mello. “Most of all, I wanted to improve my skills so I can better lead my Soldiers. It is an honor to compete against the best Soldiers in our Army.”

Spc. de Mello, and the Best Warrior Competitions Best Warrior Top Squad, which included, Staff Sgt. Sonntag, 483rd TTB HHC detachment, Sgt. Padilla, Spc. de Mello, Spc. Hernandez, and Pfc. Kelly, will go to the 79th Theater Sustainment Command Best Warrior Competition to compete in their Best Warrior Competition.

In 2011, the 650th RSG was realigned under the 311th ESC and took control of three battalions: the 314th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 469th CSSB and the 483rd Transportation Battalion. Its area of operation spans over three states, including California, Nevada and Arizona.