La. Guardsman achieves multiple honors at national rifle games

By Spc. Duncan Foote, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS – Sgt. Jonathan Wood, a member of the Louisiana National Guard assigned to A Troop, 2nd Squadron,108th Cavalry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, recently competed in the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Rifle Games at Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 2.

Wood, along with five other National Guard Soldiers from various states, competed as a team throughout the multi-day event. As a seasoned competitor, Wood demonstrated exceptional marksmanship skills in this challenging arena.

When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Wood’s answer was clear: “The U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge,” he said. “Earning this was a big goal for me. Only about 3,200 Soldiers have achieved it.”

Since Wood started competitive marksmanship shooting four years ago, he has competed in just over a dozen tournaments, including the Interservice Rifle Championship in Quantico, Virgina.

In addition to the U.S. Army Distinguished Rifleman Badge, Wood earned the President’s 100 award, given to the top 100 shooters in the National President’s Match. He placed 27th out of 819 competitors.

“Shooting has introduced me to some incredible people and given me the opportunity to compete with and against them,” Wood said.

This year, the All National Guard six-person marksmanship team won the National Trophy, also known as the Dogs of War Trophy. The U.S. Congress provided the National Trophy in 1903 as a bronze plaque depicting a warrior of ancient times with four dogs of war on a leash. The 2024 victory marks only the third time the National Guard has won this award, with previous wins in 1986 and 1977.

As Wood represented the Louisiana National Guard in this year’s National Rifle Games, his remarkable achievements stand as a testament to the training, dedication, and skill synonymous with the Louisiana National Guard.