MADISON, Wis. – A new challenge coin and regular fitness challenges are among the ways Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are staying motivated through nearly five months of COVID-19 response.
More than 1,000 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have been activated since early March to help the state fight COVID-19.
Soldiers and Airmen have collected test specimens, staffed isolation and alternate care facilities, staffed warehouse and distribution missions and assisted with mortuary affairs.
“The Wisconsin National Guard has never had a domestic operation of this size and scope in its history,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Patrouille, the senior enlisted leader of the 64th Troop Command. “Leadership and motivation are vitally important to the continual improvement of our processes and procedures for our multitude of missions.”
A new challenge coin will be given to those who complete their duties while on orders.
Staff Sgt. Carl Hackbarth, the readiness noncommissioned officer for 64th Troop Command Headquarters Company, designed the coin. He worked to ensure that it represented the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard while incorporating the three Army major subordinate commands that supported the operation – the 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Brigade, 64th Troop Command, and 426th Regional Training Institute – as well as the Air wings – the 115th Fighter Wing, 128th Air Refueling Wing, and Volk Combat Readiness Training Center.
“It provides a symbol of comradery and pride.” he said. “As I enter the twilight of my career, with seven months to retirement, I thought it would be a great gesture to leave something that a Soldier would remember where he or she was during this time in history.”
Soldiers and Airmen mobilized to support the COVID-19 response have also participated in a variety of physical fitness challenges to stay motivated. Col. John Morgen, the commander of the 64th Troop Command, Chaplain John Jordens, and the rest of the 64th religious support team collaborated to institute the fitness challenges.
“We saw this as an opportunity to have individuals and teams motivate each other,” Patrouille said. “As you look at your team members that you serve with every day, you don’t ever want to let them down, and these physical challenges allow the teams to motivate each other, resulting in some individuals reaching personal goals they never thought possible.”
The first fitness challenge included running at least 50 miles in 30 days. Troops organized into teams of three-to-five and also competed for the highest cumulative average of miles. Out of the 55 original participants, 36 met the goal of running 50 miles.
Another fitness challenge involved teams tracking how many of the Army’s new Army Combat Fitness Test pushups and minutes of planks they completed. The top team completed 10,500 pushups and 764 minutes of planking.
“We are pleased to say as a team we continue to improve every day,” Patrouille said. “From the teams on the ground, all the way up to the (joint task force) and state leadership, the Wisconsin National Guard provides for the military response capabilities in support of domestic and federal requirements. If there was ever a doubt from the citizens of the state of Wisconsin to the importance of a strong and vital National Guard, this mission certainly solidified our presence.”