EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –
In the blistering wind and under the wide expanse of blue skies, four Soldiers from Weed Army Community Hospital laced up their boots and represented the U.S. Army in the inaugural Desert Showdown, hosted by the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base last week.
Out of 12 highly competitive first responder teams—predominantly Air Force—WACH’s team stood alone as the only Army presence, finishing an astonishing 2nd place overall. They were narrowly edged out of the top spot by a mere two seconds.
The WACH team included SGT Howard White, SGT John Vinzant Jr., SGT Katelyn Fels, and SPC Cavenagh. The team demonstrated exceptional grit, endurance, and medical expertise in the grueling obstacle course designed to test tactical combat casualty care (TCCC), physical strength, and mental agility in a simulated battlefield environment.
The timed course required one team member to carry a ruck throughout the entire event, while the rest faced an onslaught of physically demanding tasks: ammo can carries, tire flips, fire hose drags, and a litter carry of a 185-pound casualty mannequin that had to remain with the team the entire time. At one point, competitors were required to hoist the litter over barriers and perform overhead presses—an exercise in both strength and teamwork.
“This wasn’t just about brute force,” said SPC Cavenagh. “We built our team based on a blend of medical knowledge and physical capability. Each Soldier brought something different to the table, and we trusted each other to lead when it counted.”
Throughout the event, participants were quizzed on medical procedures, adding a layer of mental challenge that tested composure under pressure.
“I’ve served in an infantry platoon and seen my share of tough physical situations, but this was mentally challenging,” SGT Vinzant added. “The race against the clock added another layer of difficulty.”
For SGT Fels, the power of teamwork made all the difference. “I found strength in my teammates, especially SGT White, who pushed the whole team throughout the competition,” she said. “When we had to get the casualty over the barrier, it was tough—but our communication made it possible. We each knew our strengths and relied on one another.”
Fels credits her time working in the Emergency Department and regular participation in the department’s physical training program as key to preparing. “My real-world medic training absolutely came into play. I felt confident managing the simulated casualties, and physically, I was ready.”
The Desert Showdown was designed to highlight tactical medical proficiency in a contested environment—emphasizing both combat readiness and clinical knowledge. For WACH, the competition was also an opportunity to represent Army Medicine among joint-service peers.
The team expressed pride in representing Weed Army Community Hospital on such a competitive stage. Despite their individual strengths and diverse backgrounds, they credited their success to the support they received from their unit—particularly Command Sergeant Major Rochiqneu Jones, whose encouragement meant a great deal to them throughout the event. After coming so close to first place, they’re already eager for another opportunity to compete and represent Army Medicine again.