Photo By Spc. Krista Payne | Meet Staff Sgt. Don Morales, a Tacoma, Wash., resident, serving in Kandahar,...... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Meet Staff Sgt. Don Morales, a Tacoma, Wash., resident, serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan with the 7th Sustainment Brigade. Morales is a civil affairs Noncommissioned Officer.
His duties consist of aiding the local community in partnership with the Afghanistan National Army to improve the quality of life for Afghans in the Kandahar province. Some of the ways that a civil affairs team helps the local community consists of spearheading projects to build schools, teach the population how to purify drinking water to prevent illness and disease, and improve relations between coalition forces and the civilian population of local nationals.
While talking to Morales, it is clear that he is filled with pride for his country and honored to be a part of the U.S. Army. “I joined the Army because I felt an obligation to serve both my country and my God,” says Morales. “Being an American soldier gives you a sense of belonging and pride in knowing that you are helping and protecting those who otherwise might not be able to.”
“This is my first time serving as a member of the civil affairs team and I’m very excited about it,” says Morales. “I like that I will be able to see tangible results of the efforts that we put forward to help this nation get back on their feet and be a strong, productive country.”
When asked what the most difficult part of deployment is, Morales says, “For me, it’s being away from my wife and two boys.” To counter the physical separation, Morales takes advantage of various other forms of communication available to soldiers. “We stay close though by emailing, using the USO phone, and my personal cell phone,” says Morales. Also, he suggests staying occupied with activities that will benefit you such as working out, taking college courses, and striving towards a personal goal.
To his family back home, Morales sends his love and says, “Cheryl, I miss you and I love you. Thank you for being so supportive of me. To my boys, love you both, not to worry, be safe, and help out your mom.”
| Date Taken: | 02.21.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2011 01:55 |
| Story ID: | 67427 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 73 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Resolute Warrior Spotlight – Staff Sgt. Don Morales, by SPC Krista Payne, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
