Fort Benning Exchange Supports the Best of the Best During Prestigious Ranger Competition

On 500 acres of land in western Georgia, 52 two-person teams gathered for a grueling 60-hour competition with the goal of emerging with the coveted title in the storied Best Ranger Competition.

The 38^th annual LTG (R) David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition took place at Fort Benning April 8 through 11, and the Exchange was there to support, supply and cheer on the competitors.

Fort Benning Exchange General Manager Don Sydlik greets the Best Ranger Competition participants.

Fort Benning Exchange General Manager Don Sydlik, Administrative Assistant Natalie Aguilar and Corporate Communication Director Jose Hernandez worked with vendors to provide competitors with giveaway bags that included a $25 Exchange gift card, keychain, carabiner, branded towel and more.

The Exchange’s participation underscored the Department of Defense retailer’s commitment to serving those who serve. From BE FIT apparel and gear to sports nutrition, uniform accessories and more, the Exchange meets the needs of Warfighters around the world.

“The Exchange is a natural sponsor of the Best Ranger Competition because these warriors rely on the Exchange,” Sydlik said. “They shop with us routinely for their military items. We’re here for them to make sure they have everything they need to be the best.”

Exchange vendors also provided supplies that competitors were required to pack and carry in their rucksacks, such as rifle-cleaning kits, field notebooks and hydration supplements. Most competitors also wore Exchange-vendor-provided boots.

Though the annual event was originally for Army Rangers, over the years it has expanded to include teams from all of the armed forces.

The Exchange supported the event as a Hero-level sponsor—its first year sponsoring the event—raising awareness of the Exchange’s relevancy to the military community for the 500 active-duty service members, Veterans and family members in attendance.

“The Best Ranger Competition is a very prestigious event, and it produces a lot of excitement every year,” Hernandez said. “It was a fantastic opportunity for the Exchange to connect with these extraordinary heroes and all the members of the military community who came out to watch and cheer them on.”

Best Ranger Competition participants line up to receive giveaway bags from the Fort Benning Exchange.

The event is named after Grange, an Army Ranger Hall of Fame inductee who served in 20 military campaigns, including in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Grange was at Fort Benning and spoke to the competitors to open the contest.

“I came here as a young infantry Soldier in 1943, and every time I come here, I have a lump in my throat because of what it did for me,” Grange said. “I’m proud to be an infantryman, proud to be a product of Fort Benning, Georgia, and most of all, to be an Army Ranger.”

The Exchange was also recognized for its efforts in supporting the event at a dinner for sponsors on April 9 with Fort Benning command.

“It was an honor to help sponsor this event and support these heroes,” Sydlik said. “We’re already looking forward to expanding our efforts for next year’s competition. Rangers Lead the Way.”

Check out the Best Ranger Competition Flickr photo album!