Contributed Photo Sergeant Daniel Ryan of Woodridge recently participated in the Army’s Best Warrior Competition in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The challenging week tests a soldier in every way imaginable.

Woodridge warrior

Contributed Story
FORT MCCOY, WI — July 9, 2013 — Representing the 382 Sapper Company, Woodridge native Sergeant Daniel Ryan recently participated in the challenging Best Warrior Competition held at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
The best of the non-commissioned officers and soldiers are chosen to participate in the arduous, weeklong competition where they are challenged by a written examination, hand-to-hand combat, a physical fitness test, warfighting courses and a series of other tasks including mystery events.
Sgt. Ryan was asked by his Platoon Sergeant to consider representing their company and accepted the offer.
“It is something I take very seriously, representing the entirety of the military and my company,” said Sgt. Ryan.
Soldiers can be asked a range of questions about any military-related information and are required to give a specific answer. Even though he had no knowledge of his standing in the competition, Sgt. Ryan believed he had done well in this area.
“It is a very harrowing experience when the sergeants are asking you so many questions, but it felt natural answering after preparing so much,” offered Ryan.
Sgt. Ryan studied for six months before the competition to prepare himself for everything that he would face during the one demanding week.
“I try to familiarize myself with the different warrior tasks because I have to be as proficient as possible,” stated Ryan who made sure to stay as physically active as he could in the months leading up to Best Warrior.
“There are high-caliber soldiers and everyone is extremely capable. I couldn’t have competed as successfully without love and support from my wife Amber and daughter Hannah.”
There are no published results, though Ryan was not among the winners advancing to compete for the ultimate title during the Department of the Army Best Warrior Competition which will be held in October.
Sgt. Daniel Ryan currently works at the Center for Discovery in the Quality Improvement Department trying to find better ways of doing business and solving problems.