From August 8 to 10, 2025, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from eight western states gathered at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming, to compete in the Marksmanship Advisory Council Region VI Marksmanship Shooting Championships. The Oregon National Guard sent a team of four shooters to represent their state in this prestigious event, which aimed to enhance combat-focused marksmanship skills and ensure the readiness of service members. The competition featured a series of challenging events, including rifle and pistol shooting, stress-shooting courses, and precision target engagements under timed conditions. This event is critical to improving marksmanship skills across the National Guard, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition among Guard members from various states. The Region VI Championships are part of a broader effort within the National Guard to enhance combat readiness and skills in marksmanship. The Oregon team faced off against teams from Washington, California, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and Alaska. The competition was intense, with each team member having to navigate multiple stages that tested not only accuracy but also speed and mental toughness. Competitors fired under various environmental conditions, including high winds and difficult terrain, which mirrored the stress and unpredictability of combat environments. Each participant was tested on their ability to shoot under pressure, demonstrating not only their precision but also their ability to remain calm in high-stress situations. One of the standout events was the stress-shooting course, which required competitors to engage targets after running a course that simulated the physical exhaustion and mental pressure faced by soldiers in real combat scenarios. This event, designed to replicate the unpredictability of real-world situations, allowed shooters to display their ability to control their emotions and keep their focus while shooting under duress. The physical challenge of the course forced participants to maintain peak mental clarity even when fatigued, testing their resilience and composure. Despite high winds and the difficulty of the terrain, the Oregon team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience, earning high marks in both the individual and team events. Their performance highlighted the rigorous training and preparation that goes into preparing National Guard members for real-world challenges. Oregons team members, including Captain Emily Blake, Sergeant 1st Class Tyler Dunn, Sergeant Megan Ford, and Corporal Aaron Scott, each brought unique strengths to the competition. Captain Blake, who specializes in long-range precision shooting, excelled in the rifle events, while Sergeant Dunns background in close-quarter combat tactics proved invaluable during the pistol shooting phases. In addition to the intense physical and mental challenges, the Oregon team also participated in team-based shooting exercises that required coordination and communication to succeed. These team events allowed each shooter to showcase their ability to work in harmony with teammates, engaging targets in a synchronized manner. These events were critical in fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual support among team members, with each shooter relying on the others for success. The success of the Oregon National Guard team in the 2025 Region VI Championships is not only a testament to their dedication and skill but also a reflection of the growing importance of marksmanship in military training. These competitions offer Guard members a platform to hone their shooting abilities while also helping to refine their broader tactical knowledge. The National Guards commitment to marksmanship ensures that its members are always prepared to meet the demands of combat, whether at home or abroad. As the event came to a close, participants and spectators gathered for the awards ceremony, where the Oregon team was recognized for their outstanding performance in both individual and team categories. While there were no official placements announced, the spirit of camaraderie and the shared experience of competition were the true highlights of the event. The Oregon team, along with other participating states, left with new skills, stronger relationships, and a deepened commitment to improving their marksmanship capabilities.