DVIDS – News – South Carolina National Guard recognizes 2021 Soldier of the Year

US Army Spc. Daniel Walters, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina, was recognized as the South Carolina National Guard Soldier of the Year in 2021 during the Best Warrior competition ceremony at the McCrady Training Center in Eastover, South Carolina, 5 March 2021.

The best warrior competition is an annual five-day event designed to test soldiers’ physical and mental endurance. US Army National Guard soldiers from South Carolina National Guard units across the state compete in mental and physical tasks to be selected as the Best Official Non-Commissioned Warrior and Soldier of the Year. State-level winners will compete in the Best Warrior competition at the regional level. Events include, but are not limited to, weapon qualification, land navigation, medical lanes, a board and a 12-mile ruck march.

Since joining the South Carolina National Guard in 2018, Walters has been assigned to the 1051st Transport Company. He responded to the State Active Duty call for a hurricane relief mission and, more recently, served to support COVID-19’s response efforts in the state.

Walters’ awards include the Army Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

Walters graduated from James Island Charter High School in 2019 and is completing his bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of South Carolina.