Missouri National Guard marksmen win national title

By Ann Keyes
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

CAMP ROBINSON, Ark. - For the first time in the 40-year history of the national-level Winston P. Wilson Marksmanship Sustainment Training Exercise, the Missouri National Guard brought home the championship trophy, leaving the Show-Me State marksmen both surprised and brimming with pride.

"I was ecstatic," said Master Sgt. Benjamin Israel, a member of the 139th Security Forces Squadron in St. Joseph, of his team winning the All-States trophy. "When they called third place, I thought, 'Okay, we got second place or fourth.' When we didn't get called for second place, I thought 'fourth.' I was completely surprised."

"I feel this is a big win for Missouri because it hasn't been done before, and especially considering that the states we went up against held such talent," said Staff Sgt. James Phelps, of Jefferson City. "As the team captain, I wanted us to perform to the best of our ability and to come together as a team and be consistent, and we did that. It shows you the raw talent the Missouri Guard has to offer and gives accolades to the coaches and mentorship being utilized by the state."

For five days, 400 Soldiers and Airmen battled on the ranges at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock, Ark., during the premier National Guard shooting event. Day to day, match numbers swayed, leaving participants unsure of where they stood in rankings. But when the winners of the competition were announced on the final night, Missouri dominated both by team and individually.

Sgt. James Whitener, a member of the four-man winning Alpha Team, also took the overall novice title, as well as many other awards that kept the Perryville Soldier out of his chair and on the stage to collect accolades and trophies.

"I feel that the All-States win is a major accomplishment for the state and for all the individuals who participated. It shows the true potential and talent of the Missouri National Guard," said Whitener, clearly happy with the results of the training and competition.

In addition to Whitener, Israel and Phelps, Sgt. Ryan Liggett, of Marshall, rounded out the champion team. Liggett and the rest of the Alpha Team also qualified for the Chief's 50 badge, meaning they scored in the top 50 competitors at Robinson. In addition, Liggett earned his Distinguished Pistol Badge by placing in the top 10 percent of shooters in the Excellence in Competition pistol match.

"It was an honor to represent Missouri's Alpha Team and finally bring home the coveted All-States trophy," said Liggett, seemingly more impressed with his team win than individual. "The knowledge you gain from the veteran shooters at this level of competition is priceless."



The Missouri Guard sent two other four-man teams to Winston P. Wilson to battle in rifle, pistol, machine gun, unknown distance and multi-gun matches, with the All-States trophy awarded to the team with the best aggregate scores in rifle and pistol shooting. The Soldiers and Airmen also scored big through the training itself.

"The matches we competed in this year have been a great experience," said Chief Warrant Officer Shaun Defenbaugh, who serves with Company B, 1-135th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion at Whiteman Air Force Base in Sedalia. "Being a pilot, I am not able to play the infantry role and shoot as much as I would like to. The competitions allowed the shooters to gain experience and hone their skills."

National Guard Marksmanship Training Center Commander Col. Karen Gattis spoke to shooters before the awards were announced, reminding participants what Winston P. Wilson is all about.

"There's a lot of hardware up here, and things do get emotional towards the last day of competition when the numbers get crunched. But whether you as an individual or your team leaves here with an award, it is the training you take home that is the real prize. Really, you are all winners. I know everyone doesn't always get a trophy, but hopefully, you'll realize that the training is the benefit," Gattis said.

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Nichols, an Airman with the Missouri Guard Charlie Team at nationals, agrees, and details other benefits.

"It's very exciting to be able to bring the experience and knowledge back to other new shooters. The ability to help them attain their goals of expert marksmanship is very satisfying," he said. "Comfort in a stressful environment, such as a firing line, has got to help in real world engagement. To be able to automatically revert directly to your training and fire control reduces mental shut down."

"I'm sure that all of us have learned something of value during this last week," said Tech. Sgt. Rodd Boyer, an Airman from Gower. "The camaraderie within the state team, as well as between states was nothing short of spectacular. Everyone that was there loves weapons and or competing. Getting tips and learning how to shoot to your potential and beyond is what it's all about. I think that was accomplished at Winston P. Wilson."

On hand at the awards ceremony was the Missouri Guard's Command Sgt. Maj. James Schulte, and Joint Chief of Staff Col. Glenn Hagler, who were visibly proud of team members as they took to the stage repeatedly throughout the award presentation.

"I first shot on this range in 1975, and we have never won the All-States title," said Schulte following the event. "I'm so pleased and so proud."

Hagler was proud of the marksmen as well and called fellow Guardsmen to tell them about the team's accomplishments.

The Missouri Guard teams were made up of the best shooters from the state combat matches held at a rainy Camp Crowder in June. The Missouri sharp shooters also won the MAC V regional marksmanship matches at Camp Swift, Texas in a sweltering August, proving that each individual learns things from each match that makes them better marksmen overall.

"The state rifle pistol shoots are where I first got involved in shooting, and there have always been people there to mentor and guide me and teach me things that can't be found in a book. This state has some of the most talented shooters and teachers the nation has to offer," said Phelps, going on to give credit to veteran shooters Schulte, Sgt. 1st Class Wesley Buehler, Staff Sgt. Kevin Haverly and Master Sgt. Joseph Dorsey, specifically.

The 400 shooters on hand at Robinson came from 42 states and two territories, said Gattis, who went on to give props to those who put in extra effort, time and even personal funds.

"That's truly what makes the National Guard marksmanship program so special, is your willingness to better yourself as Citizen-Soldiers," she said.

Boyer, for one, will take what he learned from Robinson and continue on.

"One of the Air Force's core values is 'excellence in all we do,'" he said. "We have found where our shortfalls are as marksmen, and now it is time to work on those before the next competition. I am very proud of our Missouri teams, all of them."



For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.