Milwaukee, Wis. – The U.S. Army and Milwaukee Bucks partnered a second year for the Warrior Athlete Drill Challenge Sunday, March 28.  Eighteen top performing high school student athletes from Wisconsin converged at the Cousins Center for a physical fitness challenge led by U.S. Army drill sergeants.

The student athletes showcased and tested their athletic talents against the Army’s physical fitness standards. Participants learned how the Army incorporates physical fitness with the seven Army Values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage) to shape individuals who are goal-oriented and team players.

The achievement of being selected to represent their schools in the drill challenge was awarded with a plaque during a banquet and public recognition between periods of a Bucks game at the Bradley Center. Awardees marched onto the court led by drill sergeants.

Sgt. 1st Class Enrico Leak and Staff Sgt. Shahin Oskouei, U.S. Army drill sergeants, led the student athletes through the drill challenge. Leak and Oskouei have served since 1997 and 2000, respectively. Both have deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Ivan Castro, U.S. Army Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, was the Army’s guest speaker during the banquet portion of the Warrior Athlete Drill Challenge.

Castro suffered injuries to include loss of vision while serving as a first lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006. Castro was the first blind graduate of the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course at Fort Benning, Ga. He continues to challenge himself by participating in various races and sporting events.

Milwaukee, Wis. – On January 9, 2010, teammates, friends, and coaching staff from Whitefish Bay High School, Whitefish Bay, Wis., gathered at a restaurant with local Soldiers to show support for William Hagerup.  Hagerup, a high school senior and football standout, was selected to the East Squad of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.  He served as the team’s punter.  

In its 10th year, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl is already rich in tradition and history as it features the nation's top high school football players, many of whom have gone on to become college and NFL stars. The growing list of alumni includes current NFL stars Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Tommie Harris, as well as 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow. There are more than 100 alums currently playing in the NFL. 

The West squad defeated East, 30-14, with over 34,000 people in attendance at San Antonio’s Alamodome.  With this win, the overall series between the two squads is tied at 5-5.

Milwaukee, Wis. – Milwaukee Battalion’s Annual Training Conference was held Dec. 4-5, 2009 at the Milwaukee Hilton. Soldiers from the Battalion’s six recruiting companies received training in a variety of areas to include safety, ethics, personnel management, and recruiting processes.  The conference concluded with a formal awards banquet.  Maj. Gen. Donald M. Campbell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command addressed the attendees and presented almost 50 awards in acknowledgement of recruiter successes in 2009.

Milwaukee, Wis. – Lt. Col. Robert Cody and Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Karcz reaffirmed Milwaukee Battalion’s commitment to Army Families at the Annual Training Conference, Dec. 5, 2009.  This commitment set forth in the Milwaukee Battalion Army Family Covenant was signed by Cody, Karcz, and six Army spouses who witnessed the signing.  The Covenant serves as an action plan addressing the concerns and needs of the Battalion’s Army families focusing on predictable duty hours, access to health care, and, improved effectiveness of Family Readiness Groups.

Greenfield, Wis. - Milwaukee Battalion's six recruiting companies came together August 21, 2009 to compete for the Commander's Cup -- an annual competition of events including dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, bowling, softball, tug of war, and a pie-eating contest.  Madison Recruiting Company came out on top and claimed their trophy as winner of Milwaukee Battalion's Organization Day 2009.  The day included a Wisconsin-style cookout with brats and burgers and activities for the children of the battalion's military and civilian families.

Milwaukee, Wis. - Third Recruiting Brigade commander (left) passes the battalion's guidon to the new commander of the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Milwaukee during a ceremony July 17, 2009 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial.

Oshkosh, Wis. - All-star football players from high schools throughout Wisconsin came together for a week-long camp culminating in a banquet and all-star game, July 17-18, 2009.  The Milwaukee Recruiting Battalion joined the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association in making the event a success.  A graduate of the U.S. Army Military Academy at West Point and current commander of the Milwaukee Recruiting Company addressed an audience of nearly 500 at the all-star banquet.  He related his experiences as a football player at West Point and how the values and skills he developed on the field have strengthen him as an Army leader.  On game day, the Army provided color guard and interactive displays to include a rock climbing wall and leadership exhibit to challenge youth in their decision-making skills.