Photo By Sgt. Brad Willeford | Pfc. Tommy Smith, a Rome, Ga., native, serves as an infantryman with Company A, 1st...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Brad Willeford
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Tommy Smith, a Rome, Ga., native, joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He said he joined the Infantry looking for excitement and adventure, because that is "where all the fun is at."
Smith is deployed with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and is having the adventure he always looked for.
Before joining the Army, Smith worked construction and in his spare time practiced his martial arts which he learned from his father. In high school Smith played football and spent his weekends working on his truck and hanging out with friends. But that sense of adventure was not there, that is when he decided to see what the Army had to offer.
His first sense of adventure came quickly after signing his enlistment contract. He took his first plane ride to Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Ga. That was one of the many firsts for Smith in his military career.
His next stop was Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
While in Hawaii, Smith took advantage of all that Hawaii has to offer; spending his days hiking, snorkeling at shark's cove, and driving around the island.
When Smith received word of his imminent deployment to Iraq he took the news in stride.
"I knew full well that I would be going to Iraq," he said. He said the news was not a shock and he looked forward to the challenge.
On the flight to Kuwait, Smith said he felt a little anxious and full of anticipation as to what it would be like once he arrived in Iraq. Even though he had these thoughts he was able to take strength in knowing he knew his job, and knew it well.
"He is always ready for any mission, just says 'roger' and moves out. He is also very handy with tools, he chips in where ever he can," said Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Zwicker, a native of Modesto, Calif., and Smith's platoon sergeant.
In his first seven months in Iraq, Smith has been on over seventy-five missions, working as a member of the personal security detail for the company commander.
As a part the PSD, it is Smith's job is to protect and provide security for the commander when he goes on missions, and out into the community to address the different situations that may arise.
Smith said he likes his job and the opportunity it gives him to have more interaction with the Iraqi population.
"Most of the people are not here to do anything bad to us, I like knowing that I am helping them" Smith said.
He also said he enjoys being able to talk with the kids "They remind me of my cousins back home," Smith said after giving several children pieces of candy that he keeps in his pocket for them.
Since the company's arrival, they have been involved in numerous outreach programs in the Taji community.
The company operates in the Taji Qada, which is northwest of Baghdad.
"Things seem to be going great right now, but there is always room for improvement" Smith said. And that is the attitude that is helping the American Soldiers win the hearts and minds, and improve the lives of the Iraqi people.
| Date Taken: | 07.30.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.30.2008 07:30 |
| Story ID: | 21978 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 372 |
| Downloads: | 261 |
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