Little Man Does Big Job

Photo By Maj. Anthony Buchanan | 1st Lt. Johnathan Barreto, the 3ID's 3-69 personnel administrative officer, takes time from his busy schedule to pose for a photo.  

12.19.2005

Courtesy Story

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2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan
133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BRASSFIELD-MORA, Samarra (December 14, 2005) -- People all over the world have heard stories about little people doing big things. These stories inspired us all as children back then and motivate us to do big things as grown-ups today. The 3rd ID's 3-69 Armor Battalion has its own story of a little guy doing big things.

Standing somewhere between 5"2" and 5"3" tall, the battalion S-1 for the 3-69 Armor, 1st Lt. Jonathan Barreto, from Moca, Puerto Rico, is probably the biggest asset the battalion commander could have here at FOB Brassfield-Mora.

"He keeps us going and keeps the commander informed and on schedule," said Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick W Muskevitsch. "He's doing a captain's job and is one the most effective S-1s I've ever had."

Although small in stature, Barreto is not the kid who had his lunch money stolen or was beaten up after school. He boasts a 29-2 boxing record from his high school days with 15 of his victories coming by knockout. So what all does this boxer from Puerto Rico do?

There is a long list. For starters, he takes care of Soldiers" promotions.

Closely following promotions are pay, awards, transportation issues, housing and assisting the first sergeants in the battalion.

"I enjoy being around the troops and taking care of Soldiers," said Barreto.

A big part of taking care of the Soldiers is submitting awards. Some of the awards Barreto has submitted are two Silver Stars, seven Bronze Stars and 80 Purple Hearts. Altogether, he has tracked and processed more than 1,500 awards during the battalion's deployment. The paperwork for these awards alone would drive someone else crazy, but not Barreto.

"Paperwork is not the problem; the problem is when paperwork is submitted
incorrectly," said Barreto. "Sometimes the paperwork doesn't have all the
documentation, and it has to be sent back to the companies."

In addition to the duties above, he coordinates R & R for the Soldiers and VIP visits to the battalion. He has coordinated more than 35 visits for VIPs during the battalion's deployment. A few VIPs whom Barreto has made accommodations for are Gen. Casey and Maj. Gen. Turner.

There is an enormous amount of things Barreto has done for his battalion that no one hears about. The battalion S-5, 1st Lt. Doug Maritato, who refers to Barreto as "Johnny B," said, "He's one of the hardest workers I've ever seen."

So what big thing will Barreto do next? Well, he's coordinating transportation for members of his battalion to fly home. He's doing what he does well and what he'll continue to do for the Soldiers of the 3-69 Armor.

Some of the Soldiers may not come up to Barreto and say "Thanks, Johnny B, for all the great things you're doing for us," but Barreto enjoys the simple fact that he has just done his jobâ?¦taking care of Soldiers; something big, from someone small.

• Date Taken: 12.19.2005
• Date Posted: 12.19.2005 11:47
• Story ID: 4139