Task Force 34 Leaves its Mark

Photo By Master Sgt. Lynette Hoke | Task Force 34's mural while at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

08.28.2008

Courtesy Story

34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade

By the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs Office

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Spc. Samantha Starbird, aviation operations specialist with Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Task Force 34 was chosen to do the Brigade's wall mural during their brief stay at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.

Her associate degree in graphic design and experience with freehand painting made her an excellent candidate for the job.

"The experience was definitely different from what I have done before," said Spc. Starbird. "It was a whole process of getting a design together, then getting it approved by the post, collecting paint and supplies and then painting at night by a generator light."

Spc. Starbird faced many challenges when painting the mural, as well as accomplishing her required deployment training in Kuwait and additional duties she was assigned.

"The most challenging part was dealing with the heat," said Spc. Starbird. "At 8 o'clock at night it was still 108 degrees outside and the cement barrier that we were painting was even hotter because it had been soaking up the sun all day."

Like a true Soldier, she pressed through all the hurdles and completed the mural before she left for Iraq.

"Even with the heat the experience was pretty enjoyable mostly due to the people that I got to share it with. The entire team included myself, Pvt. 1st Class Benjamin Sackett and Cpl. Scott Pomerleau."

Despite the heat, the team's work paid off with a great end result.

"We got to get a little wacky and played with the paint, so we had fun," said Spc. Starbird. "It took about four evenings to paint since it was enamel paint and took a while to dry."

Thanks to her diligent efforts the task force now has a left its mark in Kuwait for all Soldiers to see, the renowed 'red bull.'

"Overall, the experience was interesting and I'm glad that I did it," Spc. Starbird said.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2008
• Date Posted: 09.25.2008 11:20
• Story ID: 24135
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW