Quiet on the set

Photo By Staff Sgt. Andrea Merritt | Sgt. Franshun Beard, a human resources non-commissioned officer for the 1st Sustainment Brigade, reports on the 1st Sustainment Brigade Update, a weekly roll-up of news from within the unit. Although Beard performs an administrative job, it was discovered she had a knack for the camera while videotaping a speech for the 1st Sust. Bde. NCO of the Quarter board. "The minute I heard her speak I knew she would be great. She has a very natural presence on camera and a very pleasant look," said Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude, an Atlanta native, and the non-commissioned officer in charge of the brigade's public affairs office.  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.21.2008

Story by Sgt. Andrea Merritt 

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

By Spc. Andrea Merritt
1st Sustainment Brigade

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers are trained to be highly proficient in their jobs, but sometimes, unexpected opportunities come along and they are able to showcase other gifts and talents.

Sgt. Franshun Beard, a human resources non-commissioned officer for the 1st Sustainment Brigade, has used her deployment as a time to focus on advancing in her military career. While trying to better herself, she showed her versatility and landed another role.

"Deployments are hard for everyone. You're away from family, you're away from friends, and you're away from the normality of everyday life. While I'm over here, I try to be positive and optimistic," said Beard, a Jackson, Miss., native.

"You want to surround yourself with positive people and engage in positive activities. I miss my son a lot, but to take my mind off of missing special occasions I study for the boards and take college classes to help get me promoted," Beard explained.

During deployment, Beard has won two Soldier of the Month boards and the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sust. Bde., NCO of the Quarter board.

While videotaping a speech for the Brigade NCO of the Quarter board, it was discovered that Beard had a knack for the camera.

Staff Sgt. Bryant Maude, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Brigade's public affairs office, asked her to be the new personality for the 1st Sustainment Brigade Update, a weekly roll-up of news from within the Brigade.

"She came to our office to record a message for Brigade NCO of the Quarter and the minute I heard her speak I knew she would be great. She has a very natural presence on camera and a very pleasant look," said Maude, an Atlanta native.

Beard, who revealed she attended a performing arts school as a child and once had dreams of becoming a news broadcaster, accepted the offer. After six weeks of filming the update Beard has really grown into the anchor position and has added a little of her own flair.

"This has been a wonderful experience. It has been a learning experience. The deployment can be stressful and it's good to have an outlet. I can come over here and have a little fun doing something that I enjoy doing," Beard said.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2008
• Date Posted: 09.21.2008 09:58
• Story ID: 23950
• Location: TAJI, IQ