The honor came July 21 after two days of intensive Best Warrior Competition testing.
Bermudez passed the Army Combat Fitness Test, qualified with the M-16 rifle using the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, completed a ruck march coupled with land navigation testing, passed two written tests, submitted a written essay, completed a selection board appearance, and passed performance tests on medical, communications, weapons, and equipment tasks.
Bermudez will leave for Camp Williams, Utah, early next week for regional competition.
When asked about representing the state of New Mexico, Bermudez said, “It feels good.”
1SG Abraham Fuentes, 1SG Eugene Martinez, SFC Sarah Carlin, SFC Garry Griego, SFC Michael Nelson, SFC Jesus Nuñez, SSG Andrew James, SSG Jordan Pratz, SGT Jesus Rodriguez, and SGT Angelica Trancosa all served as support cadre.
State CSM Robbie Cantrell oversees BWC in the NMARNG, but said, “Griego planned, coordinated and supervised the entire event.”
During an awards ceremony at the Regional Training Institute, Cantrell presented Bermudez with the New Mexico Outstanding Enlisted Leader of the Year Ribbon, a plaque on behalf of the Enlisted Association, an engraved combat knife, and a backpack from the Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
“Staff Sergeant Bermudez stepped up during a difficult time for all of us,” Cantrell said. “I know he’s going to represent New Mexico well and make us proud.”
Bermudez is assigned to 1st Battalion, 515th Regiment (RTI), as a Small Group Leader for the Basic Leader Course.
