A three-person team from the V.I. National Guard secured first place and multiple podium finishes at the annual National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships in Fort Kent, Maine, overcoming punishing arctic conditions far removed from the athletes’ home environment.
The championships were held March 28–29, 2026, at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, where temperatures dropped to -2°F in the early mornings and averaged just 15°F during midday events. Competing under the guidance of coach Chief Warrant Officer Five Mervin Mills, the VING athletes took on the combined demands of cross-country skiing and marksmanship and turned in a strong overall performance.
“Our Soldiers trained in conditions that are the opposite of our home environment, but we exceed the standards.,” said Mills.
The VING team made its strongest impact in the Sprint and Pursuit events.
Maj. Stephanie Senogles led the way in the Women’s Novice Class, taking 1st Place in both the Sprint and Pursuit races. Her showing, according to the release, highlights a burgeoning talent in the VING winter sports program.
Staff Sgt. Travis Herbert also reached the podium twice, earning 3rd Place in both the Sprint and Pursuit Novice Class events in a highly competitive Men’s field.
Sgt. Nick Felicien completed the three-member team, contributing to the group’s overall success and maintaining a strong pace throughout what the release described as a grueling weekend.
This year’s championship also marked a first for the VING team, as it was the first iteration of the event to be open to civilian participants. The inclusion of civilian athletes raised the level of competition, making the Virgin Islands team’s podium finishes more notable.
According to Mills, “the VING Biathlon program continues to serve as a testament to the versatility of NGB’s Biathlon program, proving that even ‘Island Soldiers’ can become masters of the snow.”
The Virgin Islands National Guard serves as a dual-mission force, providing ready-to-respond support for territorial emergencies and augmenting the U.S. Army and Air Force in global operations. The Biathlon program promotes physical fitness, marksmanship, and mental toughness in extreme environments.
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