Montana Warriors Dominate as “Best Warriors” At Regional Event

A couple of Montana warriors dominated a regional Best Warrior competition in Idaho.

On Friday, the Idaho National Guard announced that Montana Army National Guard Soldiers Sgt. Matthew Lee and Spc. Canyon Blassingame (featured above) have won the National Guard Region VI Best Warrior Competition held in Idaho last week.

A press release from the Montana National Guard says, "Their outstanding performance and dedication exemplify the spirit and skill of our armed forces."

Lee and Blassingame won the right to represent Montana at the regional competition after winning the Montana National Guard Best Warrior Competition that was held April 7-10. The Region VI competition involved National Guard competitors from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

The two winners will advance to the National Best Warrior Competition, scheduled in Maryland in July.

Speaking of the National Guard, it was so cool to see and hear the Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters flying over head in Billings on Friday. I was out getting my pontoon boat ready for the near 90 degree day on Saturday. (I laughed to myself that I was PMCS'ing my equipment before the lake day Saturday)

As someone who recently retired with 20 plus years of service, I was so thankful for these men and women and what they continue to sacrifice to be relevant and ready for our state and nation's call. I know what it's like to miss those lake days and more because of training- so thank you all and your families for your continued sacrifice. And thanks to the two young men in the photo above for fighting to be the "best warriors."