Two U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command Soldiers were announced as the winners of the U.S. Army Medical Command's 2016 Best Warrior Competition during an awards ceremony May 6.

The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe's Sgt. 1st Class Ilker Irmak received the honor of Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Specialist Victor J. Galvez from the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense received Best Soldier of the Year.

"Each of you is commended on a job well done," Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Nadja Y. West said in a recorded message to all the participants. "Making it to this level demonstrates your commitment to the Army values."

During the competition that took place at Camp Bullis, Texas, May 2-5, 24 Soldiers participated in a number of events such as M16 qualification, day and night land navigation, an obstacle course, fitness performance testing, 12-mile foot march and a board. A mystery event was also included and tested the physical and mental agility of Soldiers with running events, burpees and a written exam evaluating cognitive ability under stress.

"It's an achievement even though it's collective," Irmak said. "I've been blessed with leadership, Soldiers and a wife who is my support."

"I wanted to do my best for my team because they helped me train," Galvez commented. "Being with Irmak in this competition was memorable. We have a strong bond now, and it's really awesome that I won with him."

MEDCOM conducted the intense 2016 Best Warrior Competition in conjunction with Army North, Army South and Army Installation Management Command to select the NCO and Soldier that best represented the MEDCOM and the Army's Warrior Ethos for participation in competition at the Army level.

Irmak and Galvez will represent MEDCOM at the Department of Army 2016 Best Warrior Competition tentatively scheduled for September 2016 at Fort A. P. Hill, Virginia.