Two U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Soldiers participated in the 15th Annual U.S. Army Best Warrior Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 26-Oct. 3, 2016.

Sgt. 1st Class Ilker Irmak, from U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe, placed third for the Department of the Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Sgt. Victor Galvez, from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, placed 10th in the tournament of the Soldier of the Year.

During the competition, both Irmak and Galvez were motivated by their families and their will to make their leadership proud of their efforts.

"My main inspiration and/or motivation was to pay back our great leaders within MEDCOM and make them proud," shared Irmak. "I wanted to display MEDCOM's combat readiness at the highest echelon.

I think I was able to meet that goal and showed the rest of the Army that we can keep up with them."

This year has been busy for the Soldiers as they previously competed in and won the USAMRMC and MEDCOM Best Warrior competitions this year to qualify for the Army-wide competition. They also competed in the Canadian Army's Starlight Challenge.

"Going through the various competitions has been a learning experience," said Galvez. "I have learned something new at each level of competition. I have also met a lot of great Soldiers at each level. There was stress involved but that's only because I wanted to represent my unit and command to the best of my ability. Having the support at home was also a moral boost. My wife and daughter were a big source of motivation and support."

During the grueling four-day competition, the competitors tested their Army aptitude by conquering urban warfare simulations, board interviews, physical fitness tests, written exams, and Warrior tasks and battle drills relevant to today's operating environment.

"This past year has been a one-of-a-kind experience. I encountered great Soldiers and NCOs throughout the different competitions," said Irmak.

"More importantly, I met great senior leaders who took genuine interest in me. I was happy to proudly represent the USAMMCE, MRMC and MEDCOM."