VELIKO TARNOVO, Bulgaria – Members of the Tennessee Army and Air National Guard competed in the Bulgaria Armed Forces’ first multinational Best Warrior Competition at the National Military University.
The June 23-26 competition featured 12 five-member teams representing the Tennessee National Guard, Bulgarian Armed Forces, U.S. Army V Corps, Slovenia Armed Forces and two teams from the NATO-enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group stationed in Novo Selo. The Tennessee National Guard team consisted of Tech. Sgt. Ben O’Neal, Security Forces Squadron, 118th Wing (competitor); Staff Sgt. Angelo Melasecca, Security Forces Squadron, 118th Wing (competitor); Staff Sgt. Daniel Bullion, Volunteer Training Site, Tennessee Army National Guard (competitor); Sgt. Joshua White, Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (competitor); Spc. Brian Hayes, Regimental Support Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment (competitor); Master Sgt. Jesse Gullett, 118th Wing (medic); Sgt. Maj. Jamie Spicer, 30th Troop Command (coach); and Senior Master Sgt. Michael Brumer, Tennessee Air National Guard (coach).
“I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible team of Soldiers and Airmen who stepped up and gave their all in this joint Best Warrior Competition,” Spicer said. “Their grit, discipline and teamwork are a true reflection of the values we stand for. They represent our organization with honor and set the standard for excellence.”
Competitors were tested on both their individual skills and their ability to work as a team, overcoming physical and mental challenges while strengthening multinational partnerships.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity to compete and work alongside such incredible competitors,” said O’Neal, who won the Best Foreign Competitor in the competition. “This is a great experience for any Soldier or Airman looking to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone and create lasting memories with people you never thought you would meet.”
The first two days consisted of familiarization training, followed by the evaluation portion of the competition. These events included multiple obstacles, testing their combat and life-saving skills, marksmanship, tactical skills and overall physical fitness. Competitors ran to each station, covering more than 18 kilometers, where they were evaluated on both their speed and expertise.
During the awards ceremony, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Defense Radostin Iliev presided over the event alongside Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general, with U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Raines III, senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, also in attendance. The Bulgarian Land Forces team placed first, the Bulgarian Military Police team placed second and the Bulgarian Joint Special Operations Command placed third.
“The Bulgarian Armed Forces hosted an outstanding competition,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s adjutant general. “They provided a unique opportunity for all the competitors to test their warfighting skills and strengthen our allied partnerships through shared challenges and joint training.”
The Tennessee National Guard and Bulgaria have shared a 32-year state partnership through the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. Over the years, the Bulgarian Armed Forces have participated in the Tennessee National Guard Best Warrior Competitions.
“Competitions like this are exactly what our partnership is about,” Ross said. “I am proud of our long-standing friendship with Bulgaria and look forward to the future as we continue to prioritize modernization, boost readiness and cultivate relations to advance our joint capabilities.”