HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville Divisions’ Shane Henry led the 375th Engineering Company team to a second-place finish in the Combined Arms competition at the recent U.S. Army Reserves Small Arms Championship at Camp Robinson.
The event was hosted by LTC Garcia and CSM Russell Moore of The U.S. Army Reserve Competitive Marksmanship Program.
Henry, an Audit Technician at HNC, was invited by his First Sargent Todd Month to coach a four-soldier team. Henry’s team included SSG Ryan Turner, SSG Jason Brothers, SGT Machaela Jex-Pirtle, and SPC Tyler Patterson, all of whom had the top rifle qualifications scores in the 375th Engineer Company.
The competition consisted of three rifle matches leading up to the new rifle qualification, three pistol matches leading up to the new pistol qualification, and a combined arms match.
Initially intending on solely filling the role of coach, upon arrival, four more teams were needed, and Henry’s name was pulled as one of the coaches to compete.
Despite the only training that Henry had recently completed being a five-day hog hunting trip in Lower Alabama, Henry placed 43rd in overall rifle, 58th in overall pistol, and 49th in the overall combined arms event. The hog hunt provided “a target rich environment” that assisted in preparing for competition, said Henry.
“It was a unique atmosphere where everyone there really wanted to learn, improve, and share their experiences to help others. Each competitor pulled their own weight throughout the competition,” said Henry.
One of Henry’s team members, SSG Jason Brothers, took 1st place in the individual competition.
“This was some of the best training of my 18yrs in the USAR. Each of the instructors was excited to talk to you about how to help you improve your own units shooting. It was lots of fun, good conversation, and very tiring,” said Henry.