South Bend, Ind native serves as POET

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Brenda Varandore | Sgt. Robert Anderson, a biometric automated toolset operator with the Camp Gannon, Iraq, Point of Entry Team, poses for a photograph. The South Bend, Ind., native is a member of Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based out of Okinawa, Japan.  

12.06.2007

Story by Gunnery Sgt. Brenda Varandore 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Story by: Gunnery Sgt. Brenda L. Varnadore

CAMP GANNON, Iraq – As the security continues to improve, the government of Iraq is taking more responsibility for providing its own security. Transition teams from the U.S. military are forming to guide the Iraqi military, police, border agents and port of entry personnel into accomplishing this goal. For one South Bend, Ind., Marine, daily duties include training the Iraqis to identify people who are crossing into Iraq from Syria.

Sgt. Robert Anderson, assigned to the Point of Entry Team at Camp Gannon, Iraq, started his deployment to Iraq an embarkation specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, based out of Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. He later requested to join the POET to broaden his Iraqi experience.

"I had to kick and fight to join the POET," said the 2004 Riley High School graduate. "But, they finally let me go. It is wonderful. I am getting an operational experience where I get the opportunity to work with Iraqis and also Marines from various (military occupational specialties.)"

Anderson is assigned to the team as a Biometric Automated Toolset operator. The BATS includes a computer, iris and fingerprint scanners, camera and identification card printer. The BATS includes a database used to identify people and includes information about suspected or wanted insurgents.

"I thought I would just come out and enter a few people in the database, but we have actually caught a couple of people," he said. "One was a (high value target). We got him detained and it was a good feeling."

Anderson said that joining the team in its infancy was nothing new to him. He joined the Marine Logistics Group in its beginning, after it was restructured from the Force Service Support Group during 2005.

"It was exciting to be a part of the new unit and work out the kinks in the new structure, just like any new unit," said Anderson. "It is much more efficient now and I have been able to develop my area the way it is most productive."

He said his mother, Patti, is proud of her third and youngest child for his service to his country.

"She has sent me so many letters already," said Anderson. "When I tell her about the job I am doing now, she feels like I am really a part of democracy."

But Anderson said he enjoys every moment he spends with the team and doesn't look at it as a job.

"The other team members are awesome," said Anderson. "There is a lot of camaraderie out here and it keeps you moving every day. Knowing that what you are doing is making a difference, though you may not see it on a day-to-day basis, you really see the progress on a month-to-month basis."

After his tour with the POET is done, Anderson plans to return to Okinawa. He hopes to make the Marine Corps a career and said he will stay in until someone tells him it is time to go.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2007
• Date Posted: 12.06.2007 06:56
• Story ID: 14467