Photo By Sgt. Derek Kuhn | Staff Sgt. Richard Dean, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Heaquarters and...... read more read more
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By Pfc. Derek L. Kuhn
40th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT POLK, La — The day was Sep. 12, 2001. One day after America was attacked by terrorists, a mechanic from a small town, like many patriotic Americans, enlisted in the Army so that he could serve his country in its time of need.
Seven years later and with four combat tours including two stints in both Iraq and Afghanistan and a fifth deployment scheduled this fall, Staff Sgt. Richard Dean, who serves as the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of the repair and upkeep component for his unit, plays an integral role in preparing and maintaining the interior of buildings for the Fort Bragg, N.C. - based 3rd Brigade Combat Team 82nd, Airborne Division Headquarters facility. The once infantryman, now handy man's unit is currently training at the Joint Readiness Training Center preparing for an upcoming deployment in support of the war on terror.
Growing up in Portage, Ind., in a "run of the mill" Midwestern family with three boys, Dean's small town personality shows every time he talks especially when it is about building. Dean credits his love of building from his childhood with his father.
"I was always building with Dad," Dean said fondly.
He and his father would restore cars with his favorite restoration project being a 1963 Chevy Impala Coupe.
Dean's love of cars and building eventually led him to a job as an Automotive Service Excellence certified mechanic at a Michigan Porsche dealership where many Detroit Red Wings frequented.
Now with seven years in the Army, Dean brings many skills to the table.
"I like to work with my hands, and my work helps support the entire effort across the board," Dean said proudly.
Dean enjoys seeing the end product of his labor and effort. However, others see Dean's relationship with his work a bit differently.
"Staff Sgt. Dean cares about his work and takes great pride in it," said Sgt. Maj. Richard Lopez, operations sergeant major of the 3rd BCT. "He always gives 150 percent and is extremely dedicated to his work."
However, sometimes there are challenges in constructing the interior of buildings that test his dedication but at the same time highlight his skill. Dean explained that during his time at JRTC, some of his projects have been quite the challenge.
The brigade's command room was the most difficult construction project so far at JRTC because of the quantity of personnel, limited space and stadium seating, said Dean.
"It took us a day and a half to build."
Leaders in the unit like Lopez say Dean's persistence and skill is very helpful to the unit's mission's success.
Dean's expertise, knowledge and skills allow the brigade to focus on the mission at hand, said Lopez, who has been supervising Dean the past seven years. Additionally, Dean's sociability and his ability to communicate with anyone reflects greatly on him, said Lopez.
During his down time, Dean enjoys fishing and spending time with his two daughters, Katelynn, 4, and Caidence, 18 months.
Though he may not work on advanced automobiles anymore, Staff Sgt. Richard Dean always utilizes his talents. Whether it is building the command room or making a simple repair, this normal guy from a normal town is making a difference in today's Army.
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2008 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 22074 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 257 |
| Downloads: | 192 |
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