CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea –
Teamwork stems from trust, and trust is born from a bond that is built through shared experiences and hardships. A hardship can be mental, physical or both. Whether it's climbing over a wall or passing a written test, the hardships a team can face will only make them stronger.
Soldiers from the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade participated in the 2nd Infantry Division Best Medic Competition June 23 on Camp Casey in the Republic of Korea. The competition had multiple events to include night and day land navigation, an obstacle course, written test, a physical fitness challenge and a buddy run. Each of the two teams that competed had two Soldiers.
Sgt. Balamurali Devarajan, a native of Fairfax, Va. and flight medic from the Co. C, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, was one of the Soldiers who competed to be named the best medic in the division. "It feels pretty good to be out here," Devarajan said. "It is important for us to test our skills and decision making."
The competitors were chosen due to their previous achievements including earning their expert field medical badges. The Soldiers needed to be in good standing he said. Each Soldiers teammate was chosen for him.
Devarajan said the challenges during the competition did not seem nearly as intimidating having a teammate there alongside him. "Everything is about teamwork," he said. "We completed everything as a team and it was always about the team winning." He said having that other person there and support from leadership back at the unit really made the difference. "Just like in the gym, you need a spotter," Devarajan said. "Someone who can catch you before you fall."
Sgt. Scott Lackey, a native of Albuquerque, Nm. and an emergency care non-commissioned officer for the 602nd Aviation Support Battalion, 2nd CAB, was Devarajan's teammate during the competition.
While lackey said he was privileged to compete, he is also very proud of his own skills as a medic. He wanted to go out there and challenge himself. He ended finding his motivation through his teammate. He said he was glad he got paired with such an outstanding Soldier like Devarajan. "The Army is not an individual event," Lackey said. "Just like this competition is not an individual event."
These teammates may have been individuals before the competition, but through shared pain, sweat and triumphs they have come together to be able to raise each other above any obstacle they may face.