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BOEBLINGEN, Germany — The 554th Military Police Company held the fourth annual Clifton Challenge Sept. 1 at the Boeblingen Local Training Area, Germany, in honor of Cpl. Karen N. Clifton, who was killed in Baghdad, Iraq, June 21, 2007, when her High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, injuring two other passengers in the vehicle.
“The Soldiers out here competing tells a lot about their character,” said 2nd Lt. Jonathan Chambless, platoon leader and event planner. “They are high-speed, motivated and everybody loves a little competition.”
The competition consisted of five events beginning with a modified Army Physical Fitness Test for which Soldiers wore chemical, biological radiological and nuclear gear for the 2-mile run. Other grueling events included a land navigation challenge, obstacle course, M4-stress shoot, 8-mile ruck march that had to be completed within 2 hours and finally a team knowledge board. With little to no breaks in between events, the entire challenge was physically and mentally grueling.
“I feel honored to be out here representing Cpl. Clifton since she was part of first platoon,” said Spc. Jonathan Jerez. “She didn’t quit in Iraq, so we are not going to quit out here.”
The competition was built to test the Soldiers’ endurance and ability to work as a team, and competitors were timed as a group, not as individual Soldiers. Clifton was known for her hard work, dedication and putting a smile on her teammates’ faces.
“We began the Clifton Challenge in 2013, and we hope to continue the tradition for years to come,” Chambless said.
Clifton was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for her bravery, and she continues to be in the hearts and minds of the 554th Military Company.
