Army National Guard Team Wins 2016 Best Ranger Competition

By Tactical-Life

The following is a release from Staff Sgt. D. Richard Salzer:

Soldiers from the Army National Guard took first place in the grueling Lt. Gen. David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition, the first time in the competition’s 33-year history it has been won by an Army Guard team.

Capt. Robert Killian, from the Colorado Army National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Erich Friedlein, with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, were named the Army’s best Rangers after the 60-hour crucible came to an end Sunday.

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Competing five times, with two second-place finishes in 2014 and 2015, Killian, a detachment commander with B Company, 5th Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), said the win was humbling.

“It’s a big thing for the Guard and I’m humbled and honored to be the first,” Killian said. “I’m ecstatic and honored and I hope I’m an inspiration for others.”

Killian and Friedlein were recognized during an official ceremony, April 18, at Fort Benning where they hoisted high their awards to a standing ovation.

“It still really hasn’t totally sunk in yet,” said Friedlein after the ceremony. “I’m just really amazed. I can’t believe we did it after the three days …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life