Sgt. Maj. Timothy Bloom, 42, joined the Oregon National Guard in 1987 and has spent the majority of his career in the same infantry battalion, 2-162, in Eugene, Ore., (now located in Springfield).
Specifically, he served in the same infantry company as a Soldier with Alpha Company, 2-162 (previously Charlie Company, 2-162) for over 20 years. It was there that Bloom worked his way to the rank of first sergeant.
About a year ago, he secured the operations sergeant Major position for the battalion. Currently, Bloom is enrolled in the Sergeant Major Academy, phase 1, online course. He plans to complete phase 2 shortly after.
Knowing that he is nearing the end of his time in the Guard, Bloom makes clear his satisfaction for his long relationship with the 2-162 Infantry Battalion by stating "Lord willing I'll stay in the battalion for the rest of my career."
With the opportunity to serve alongside some of the same Soldiers throughout the battalion for over 15 years, Bloom touched on how sharing the Guard experience for that amount of time creates a "solid working relationship."
Having previously deployed with members of the brigade, he is now deployed with his newlywed son and daughter-in-law. When asked how people felt about the three of them deploying together, he explained that two went off, now it's three.
Son Brenin met Janna Sweet while working for the recruiting command after he returned from his second deployment to Afghanistan. Their relationship continued, as both prepared to deploy to Iraq with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. It was during the train-up at Fort Stewart, Ga., that they were married.
Currently Brenin is stationed in Scania. He is with Alpha Company, 2-162 Infantry, and is conducting base security operations. Janna is a driver for Charlie Company, 2-162 Inf. and is based out of Tallil, Iraq. After accounting for his family members whereabouts, Bloom joked that he's at 2-162 headquarters holding down a desk and a laptop or two.
Everyone is very busy with missions so communication can be limited. Prior to Brenin being sent to Scania, all three were on Tallil together, so making connections and sharing a meal from time to time was much easier. Communication now usually takes the form of a quick phone call or instant messaging via Skype.
When asked about any words of advice for his son and daughter-in-law, he gave advice that can apply to all of us in relationships, whether they be in a marriage, as a member of a family or your social circle of friends.
"Keeping in touch is the key."
