Photo By Spc. Krista Payne | Spc. Benny Gilmore, sling load team member, assigned to the 623rd Sling Team...... read more read more
KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - Meet Spc. Benny Gilmore, a 29-year-old Binghamtong, N.Y. native. Gilmore is a sling load team member assigned to the 623rd Sling Team Detachment, Special Troops Battalion, Task Force Resolute. He is currently deployed to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The sling load team is responsible for providing small out posts in Afghanistan with supplies such as unitized food, fuel, water, and heavy equipment. After receiving a request, they must gather the supplies, palletize the order, coordinate pick up via helicopter, and sling load the bird with the supplies.
When asked why he serves as a U.S. soldier, Gilmore responded, “I serve because it’s an honor to be a part of the military and I believe in this country so I want to defend it. I want to make a difference in world.”
Gilmore is proud of the mission that he is a part of and it shows through when speaking with him. “My job supports those that can’t get the supplies they need to accomplish their mission,” shared Gilmore. “We get it pushed out in emergency situations and get it there faster than a truck can.”
Sling loading is a physically demanding job which requires fast thinking and team work. The work can be challenging and stressful but to Gilmore, it is worth it. “When I have a bad day at work, I just remember that my Army buddies across Afghanistan may be having a worse day and need what we are sending them,” said Gilmore. “We are all one family in the Army and we need to put others needs before our own to make it happen.”
This marks Gilmore’s second deployment. While there are similarities in both deployments, the country, operation, and mission have changed. “Being in Kandahar is different than when I was in Iraq. Here, I get to work with other branches of service, Afghanistan national army, and various coalition forces,” said Gilmore.
As every deployment is different, every base is as well. Knowing the “hot spots” of the base can make a deployment more entertaining. When asked what the best spot on Kandahar Air Field is to have fun, Gilmore shared, “Definitely the pool hall. They have four pool tables and it is a good place to hang out.”
To his family back home, Gilmore said, “I’ll be home soon. Words and expressions are best said face to face.”
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2011 05:30 |
| Story ID: | 67705 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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