Water and weapons

Photo By Staff Sgt. Hector Corea | Spc. Nam Yun, a water treatment specialist with the 968th Quartermaster Company, fires an M203 round during battle training assembly on Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 7, 2015. Soldiers of the 968th QM Company conducted weapons qualification training and familiarization with M16, M249, and M203 weapons platforms. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hector Corea, 302nd MPAD)  

FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

02.07.2015

Courtesy Story

302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

By U.S. Army Sgt. Hector Corea
302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Soldiers of the 968th Quartermaster Company conducted battle training assembly including range operations on Fort Irwin, California, Feb. 7, 2015.

The Tustin, California-based unit practiced their water purification mission and honed their marksmanship proficiency during their two-day stay.

"We're out here doing realistic training and also trying to get more experience on the water purification systems," said Sgt. 1st. Class Cindy Gudino, first sergeant of the 968th QM Co. "My Soldiers, know, love and breathe water."

Soldiers of the 968th trained on the Tactical Water Purification System, (TWPS) that purifies up to 1,500 gallons per hour for drinking, cooking or bathing purposes.

"When it comes down to it, the TWPS meets all the water needs of the Army," said Spc. Robin Ko, a water treatment specialist and Irvine, California, native with the 968th QM Co.

"Water is a necessity since you need it for drinking, showering and cooking," said Spc. Nam Yun, a water treatment specialist with the 968th QM Co. "The best part of my job is that is helps meet the needs of fellow Soldiers."

Soldiers of the 968th QM Co. also conducted weapons qualification training and familiarization with M16, M249, and M203 weapons platforms.

"The M203 had a really strong kick, but it was exciting," said Pfc. Melissa Ferguson, a horizontal construction engineer with the 968 QM Co.

"It's great shooting practice," said Spc. Robert Silva, a water treatment specialist and Murrieta, California, native with 968th QM Co. "It's nice to focus on our soldiering abilities."

In addition to their training, the 968th QM Co. also bonded over an evening barbecue. The multiple training days served to strengthen teamwork and camaraderie.

"I'm blessed with great Soldiers - they always make it happen," said Gudino. "I see us as a family, and we've really come together as a family."

• Date Taken: 02.07.2015
• Date Posted: 02.12.2015 15:39
• Story ID: 154330
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: TUSTIN, CALIFORNIA, US