JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Soldiers from across the Pacific competed in the Regional Health Command – Pacific’s Best Medic Competition on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Sept.19-23.

The competition tested their tactical and medical skills and prepared Soldiers for an Army-wide competition at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

“The Best Medic Competition was an evaluation of Army medical personnel and their skills as combat medic or first responder,” said Staff Sgt. John Lamme, Madigan Army Medical Center. “It was designed to be a 72-hour competition, and Soldiers were tested physically, mentally and emotionally.”

In order for medics to compete in the competition, they had to earn their Expert Field Medical Badge and Combat Medical Badge.

Medics worked individually and together as a team motivating each other through early mornings to late nights.

“As medics, we are the standard,” said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Frost, pharmacy technician, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “Having the opportunity to cross-train was a great opportunity, and I wanted to set the standard.”

Frost wanted to set an example and show Soldiers that it wasn’t about the rank; it was about how physically and mentally tough he was for the competition.

“I wanted to show my Soldiers that you still can go out and compete no matter what your rank, age or mind set,” said Frost. “You could go out and prove yourself on how you do.”

1st Lt. Joshua Gurr, 47th Combat Support Hospital won the JBLM level of the competition, and he will represent the 62nd Medical Brigade in the Army Best Medic Competition.

Staff Sgt. David Nagle, Madigan Army Medical Center won the regional portion of the competition and will represent the region in the 2016 Command Sgt. Major Jack L. Clark Jr. Army Best Medic Competition in October.