Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Sharonda Artry, an empty container collection point non-commissioned officer with...... read more read more
By Sgt. Jorge Anaya
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq— As the end of their tour nears, several soldiers with the 40th Quartermaster Company, 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 224th Sustainment Brigade, 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, took time to share lessons learned from their deployment, Sept. 26, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq.
The soldiers said they wanted to share their deployment experiences so other soldiers can relate and realize that they are not alone with changes taking place.
“This is my first deployment, and one of so many things I learned here was being able to adapt,” said Sgt. Sharonda Artry, an empty container collection point noncommissioned officer with the 40th QM Company, and a Memphis, Tenn., native. “I have performed many duties not usually associated with my MOS [military occupational specialty]. My insight in learning different skills is a positive one. I benefit from it because, as an NCO, it makes me more versatile and my unit benefits from it because it allows me to not only train those in my MOS, but in other areas as well.”
Artry said that cross training on new skills allows the unit to fulfill its mission more effectively because her additional skills allow her to supervise other sections more efficiently.
“I would say I learned to be more patient and resilient,” said Spc. Gloria Adams, a supply clerk with the 40th QM Company and a San Diego native. “Working long hours, restrictions, heat, and terrain, besides not having your family around for support can take a toll on soldiers as human beings; the help from my fellow soldiers and leaders made it easier dealing with these bearable issues.”
Adams said hardships only serve to make her stronger, for it will let her mentor soldiers in the future when she becomes a leader.
“Accountability.” said Pfc. Justin Ford, an operations clerk with the 40th QM Company and a Campbellsville, Ky. native, “Back in garrison [the U.S.], we don’t always carry additional sensitive items around. soldiers can misplace sensitive items because they are things that they are not accustomed to always having in their possession. These experiences help develop character and instill responsibility in each individual soldier.”
Ford said he believes that even the smallest detail matters when you’re deployed because it helps to be confident when leading troops. Leaders must know how to instruct soldiers.
“I’m a heavy equipment operator but am currently assigned to the motor pool, so I was taught not only to operate machinery, but how it works,” said Spc. Justin Barry, a heavy equipment operator with the 40th QM Company, and a St. Louis, Mo., native. “I was in the Air Force for two years before joining the Army. I used to repair air conditioners in the Air Force. Now I know how to repair and troubleshoot trucks and other equipment. I had good instructors and they taught me a lot of things I needed to look for. Picking up an additional skill is priceless.”
The soldiers shared their experience to show that the Army helps create flexible, creative and knowledgeable personnel. More skills and talents mean a more diverse and competent person, not only in the military, but also in the civilian workforce.
| Date Taken: | 09.26.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 10.18.2010 11:03 |
| Story ID: | 58317 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 114 |
| Downloads: | 6 |
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