Story by: SSG Victor C. Carambot
AL BAKIR AIRFIELD, Iraq — Sgt. Juan Cruz Avila, of El Paso, Texas, represents not only his unit, but also the heart of Texas, while deployed to Iraq, Jan. 2.
Once a month, the senior Noncommissioned Officers of the 37th Engineer Battalion- Joint Task Force Eagle, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., convene in order to decide who is the best amongst the rank of Cruz, a team leader from the Light Equipment Platoon, of A. Company, who went to the board and was awarded NCO of the Quarter this past fall.
"Sgt. Cruz is a dependable NCO who is proud of his Soldiers, his unit and the work we do here in Iraq with our partners from the 4th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment," said Capt. Jim Wade, a Nashville, Tenn. native and commander of A. Company.
Cruz's unit is currently partnering with the 4th IA FER in order to identify canals that are in need of much repair. The U.S. and Iraqi engineers work hard to clean out and fix those canals which provide water to citizens and farmland throughout the Salah ad Din province.
Cruz's knowledge of engineering, Iraqi culture and various weapon systems, amongst other tested Soldier information, not only has proven him an asset while on ground conducting missions, but also when tested. It is because of this outstanding performance, Cruz took home the title of NCO of the Quarter and then awarded the Army Achievement Medal.
"It feels great to know that I have what it takes to be considered one of the top NCOs in the battalion. It's a great privileg and I do feel honored," said Cruz when asked how he felt about winning the board.
Cruz provides direct leadership to three Soldiers and is a vital member of one of the few units providing route clearance in Iraq where he leads his Soldiers in patrolling the main routes used by U.S. Forces, Iraqi Forces and civilians in efforts to clear them of Improvised Explosive Devices and other threats. 1st Lt. Jonathan M. Diaz, Cruz's platoon leader, believes him to be a vital asset to the team.
"Sgt. Cruz is an NCO that can be relied upon to get the job done. He ensures that his Soldiers are taken care of and ready to execute any mission. He sets the standard."
| Date Taken: | 01.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.03.2010 03:34 |
| Story ID: | 43408 |
| Location: | AL BAKIR, IQ |
| Web Views: | 562 |
| Downloads: | 276 |
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