Photo By Capt. Richard Packer | Spc. Richard Thompson, a technical engineer specialist assigned to the Survey and...... read more read more
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Spc. Richard Thompson is a technical engineer specialist assigned to the Survey and Design section of 2D Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Trailblazer, and is currently deployed here from the unit’s home station, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
Thompson has been in the Army for three years. He was recently recognized as the Joint Task Force Trailblazer Soldier of the Quarter after appearing before a panel of senior noncommissioned officers to test his knowledge and mastery of topics including drill and ceremony, Army regulations and current world events.
“The competition was close. We have a lot of exceptional Soldiers,” said 2D Engineer Brigade’s Master Sgt. Gregory Workman, one of the board members. “But at the end of the day, there was one clear winner. No matter how hard we pressured him, Spc. Thompson maintained his professionalism and answered our questions. He’s an outstanding Soldier.”
After outperforming his peers Thompson was recognized by the brigade commander, Col. Pete Andrysiak, with a commander’s coin for his accomplishment during an awards ceremony.
“I like how it challenges me to do my best on a daily basis. The friends that I’ve made along the way are some of the best I’ve known through my life,” said Thompson about the Army. “Also I enjoy the traveling around the world and United States. In my short time I’ve been to South Korea, Afghanistan, Romania, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas and every airport in between.”
The 23 years old Thompson was born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 2009 and St. Cloud Technical and Community College 2011. His parents, Joseph and Joyce Thompson, have been married for nearly 30 years and still live in St. Cloud.
“I’d say the hardest thing is being away from family and friends and having them worry about you on a daily basis,” Thompson said when asked about being deployed. “There’s not much you can do about it besides just trying to stay in contact with them and reassure them its OK.”
With two years left to serve in the Army, Thompson has begun looking forward to what he wants to accomplish next.
“After the Army I can’t wait to go back to school and get my degree and start my life as a civilian again. I plan to finish my degree in Land Surveying at St. Cloud State University,” said Thompson. “I feel that I can accomplish anything and nothing can hold me back.”
“Maybe I’ll warm up my pitching arm again and try out for college team. I’ve had plenty of practice playing for one of the U.S. Army Alaska teams and I’m ready for the next big challenge,” said a confident Thompson.
The 2D Engineer Brigade deployed to Afghanistan in late May and is expected to return to Alaska near the end of the year.
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2014 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 135855 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 427 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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