55th MEB Selects State Best Warrior Competitors

Pennsylvania Army National Guard brigade hosts competition to determine representatives for state-level event

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, hosted its brigade-level Best Warrior Competition boards on February 21, 2026 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Soldiers from across the brigade competed in appearance boards and were evaluated on their knowledge, confidence and professionalism under pressure. The winners will represent the brigade at the upcoming state-level competition.

Why it matters

The Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that showcases the skills and leadership of top-performing National Guard soldiers. Winning at the brigade and state levels can lead to further advancement and recognition at the regional and national competitions, providing career-boosting opportunities for the selected soldiers.

The details

Soldiers donned their Army service uniforms and reported before a panel of senior enlisted leaders, including Command Sgt. Maj. Evan Melendez, 55th MEB command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Morris, 337th Engineer Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Chearney, 165th Military Police Battalion. The board questions covered a wide range of topics such as Army history, current events, programs, marksmanship, drill and ceremony, and military bearing.

  • The brigade-level Best Warrior Competition boards were held on February 21, 2026.
  • The Pennsylvania Army National Guard's state-level Best Warrior Competition is scheduled to take place at Fort Indiantown Gap on April 7–12, 2026.

The players

Evan Melendez

Command Sergeant Major of the 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Timothy Morris

Command Sergeant Major of the 337th Engineer Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Joseph Chearney

Command Sergeant Major of the 165th Military Police Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Storm Fekette

A military police NCO with the 1069th Military Police Company, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Isabella Aydin

A signal support systems specialist assigned to the 213th Signal Company, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

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What they’re saying

“The board went well. It's been a while since I've been in an appearance board, but the more you participate in these, the more comfortable you become presenting yourself professionally in a stressful setting.”

— Storm Fekette, Military Police NCO

“I reviewed the resources I was given to prepare until I was familiar with all of the study materials. Then I tried to go a little bit more in-depth, trying to understand more about Army programs, regulations, rehearsing the NCO Creed, and practicing as much as I could.”

— Isabella Aydin, Signal Support Systems Specialist

“It's always an honor for your name to put forth. To know that my unit thought that I was the Soldier that could best represent our formation. I always try to think of representing them well while answering the board's questions.”

— Isabella Aydin, Signal Support Systems Specialist

What’s next

The Pennsylvania Army National Guard's state-level Best Warrior Competition is scheduled to take place at Fort Indiantown Gap on April 7–12, 2026, where the winners from the 55th MEB will compete.

The takeaway

The Best Warrior Competition provides an opportunity for National Guard soldiers to showcase their skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities. Winning at the brigade and state levels can lead to further advancement and recognition, making it an important career-building event for top-performing soldiers.