06/12/2026
The scores are in!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Region I National Guard Best Warrior Competition:
๐ NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Taj Lumanog, The New Jersey National Guard
๐ Soldier of the Year: Sgt. Alexander Hodgins, Maine National Guard
Congratulations to the runners-up, Staff Sgt. Corey Iacono and Spc. Juan Principe, both members of Rhode Island's own, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 143rd Airborne Infantry Regiment!
This year's competition brought together the best Soldiers and NCOs from across the Northeast, testing their physical endurance, tactical proficiency, warrior skills, and mental resilience. Every Soldier pushed their limits, and represented their states with pride.
Congratulations to all the competitors from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Your dedication, professionalism, and warrior spirit continue to set the standard for excellence across the force. Well done, Warriors.
๐ธ More photos to follow!