Sweat trickles down as US military SPC. Jaden Hughes looks down a worn path in a military reservation in Maryland. It’s quite a distance from his home—over 800 miles, in fact. The rising sun brings increased humidity and heat, yet he isn’t alone. Alongside him are 13 other competitors from National Guard organizations across the country, with familiar encouragement awaiting at the finish line.
As Hughes and his fellow guards embark on the second day of the Army National Guard’s 2025 Best Warrior Competition, they participate in the Medal of Honor Run. This five-mile trek features five stations, each one honoring the courage and dedication of Maryland’s prestigious recipients. By the time they reach the fifth station, exhaustion and the heat start to weigh heavily on them.
However, when Hughes picks up the Alabama flag to finish the race, he spots a familiar face cheering him on: Command Sergeant Major John Elmou from the Alabama Army National Guard. His presence brings a jolt of motivation.
“Unification is a two-way street,” says SPC. Hughes, who serves as a Supply Specialist for the Alarng 731st Combat Sustainment Support Company. “Just seeing these great leaders backing the younger soldiers gives you a bit of an extra push.”
The 2025 National Best Warrior Competition is an annual gathering that brings together soldiers and non-commissioned officers from seven regions throughout the U.S. The competitors face a series of intense physical and mental tests meant to challenge their military skills, resilience, and commitment to the warrior’s ethos, all while vying for a chance at team competitions.
“The intention of this competition is to foster teamwork, unity, and develop tomorrow’s leaders,” Commander Sgt. Major Elmore noted. “Spc. Hughes is forming friendships here that will last decades. They’ll look back on this and tell stories about it.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere, he added, “Earlier I mentioned I’d save a little extra encouragement for the handover with Command Sergeant. I intended to reserve some just for him!”
Launching on July 14, the competition wrapped up on July 18, culminating in a ceremony announcing the elite soldiers and non-commissioned officers of the year.
