Page 9 - The Dispatch May 2019

TEXAS MILITARY DEPARTMENT

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Porter, carries a simulated battlefield casualty to safety during the Texas Military Department's
Best Warrior Competition at Camp Swift, in Bastrop, Texas, February 28, 2019.
(U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Bryan Swink)

“Realizing what type of athlete and competitor he was, it “Many of the events were some of the most challenging
was a no-brainer we thought he would excel at our wing’s things I’ve ever done,” Porter said. “But the group of peo-
Best Warrior Competition … which he did,” said Lowe. ple who came from the wing to support the event and
cheer me on have been so inspirational and motivating.
One week after winning the wing-level competition Porter The really awesome thing is they were supporting all the
lost one of his biggest supporters when his father died. competitors with that same level of energy … Soldiers, Air-
men and our international partners.”
“He was one of the reason’s we decided to move back to
be closer to home,” he said. “We wanted to spend what- Even though Porter didn’t win the Texas NCO division of
ever time he had left with him. He was so incredibly proud the state’s Best Warrior Competition, he isn’t ready to call
of me when I told him I’d be representing the 136th at the it quits. The airmen said he would love to represent the
state level.” wing again next year either as a competitor or the wing's
support sponsor.
The inspiration and encouragement Porter received from
his father throughout his life has motivated him during the “I want to get the word out about this event and I want
competition. to see who in our wing can compete at this level,” Porter
said. “I know our wing has some amazing athletes and I
“He was a man who was a strong motivator but would do would love it if someone out there beat me next year. I
it with love and encouragement,” Porter said. “He always would want to be their sponsor and help guide and advise
looked for way to build up a person with positivity and he them through every step of this unbelievably fun and de-
would always get the best out of people.” manding competition.”

This four-day event not only features some of the state’s This year’s Texas competition winners will be honored at a
top service members, but also features competitors from May banquet and become eligible to compete in the Best
Chile and the Czech Republic, both partners of the Texas Warrior Competition at nation and international levels.
military under the State Partnership Program. -D

www.tmd.texas.gov 9