225th Engineer Brigade

Story by 1st Lt. Michael Lind

BAGHDAD, Iraq – The close bonds Soldiers share during a deployment can last a lifetime.

Spcs. Nathan Doyle, Bruce Nicely, James Perrone, Sean Thibedeau and Eric Varela, all of the Headquarters Support Company, 101st Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade are grateful for a second opportunity to spend a year deployment together. These five Soldiers have learned that the bonds they forged while in Kosovo may serve them well throughout the challenges of any deployment.

Having met in the months leading up to their departure, Doyle, Nicely, Perrone, Thibedeau and Varela arrived at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, as part of the American NATO Force, in November 2006.

While in Kosovo, the five Soldiers were together most of the time. They shared diverse and ever-changing missions involving anything from personal security details and supply escorts to steady state patrols within the local communities to ensure no crimes were committed.

"We did some anti-smuggling operations to prevent human trafficking and drug-smuggling," said Varela. Even though the Soldiers were in different squads, they went out on convoys together.

Barbeques were the Soldiers' attempt to turn Camp Bondsteel into a home away from home and, aside from softball, volleyball and football, were the most common way to rest and recuperate after a long day of work.

"We actually set up between the buildings a grill area called the "Cobra Cabana" We had grills, plants, umbrellas, where we would chill out, eat and smoke cigars," exclaimed Perrone.

Whether out on a mission or enjoying camaraderie during some good rest and recuperation, these five Soldiers forged great new friendships. When faced with the opportunity to deploy again in June 2009, it was not a difficult decision for the five of them to volunteer to go together.

Certainly deploying with familiar faces has its benefits too. Kosovo established camaraderie amongst the group which helps the Iraq mission progress without problems.

"It makes things easier because we know each other's tendencies, attitudes and moods. It helps to create a better working environment," remarked Thibedeau.

"Working as a unit, we are cohesive, smart and can depend on each other," added Doyle.

At day's end, the five gather to let off some steam by once again continuing the traditional activities started in Kosovo.

"We spend our down time playing video games, having cook-offs and playing in volleyball tournaments," Nicely explained. "We offer an open challenge to anyone reading this."

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