By Sgt. Allison Churchill
41st Fires Brigade
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – Separated from the rest of 41st Fires Brigade by nearly 100 miles, approximately 20 Rail Gunners accepted unique missions while deployed.
The Soldiers, working as representatives of the brigade at Multi-National Division – Center headquarters on Camp Victory, said there are benefits and disadvantages to being away from their Rail Gunner comrades.
"Ensuring that the people of Iraq have electricity, clean water, medical care and a decent job helps to ensure the long-term stability of the country," said Maj. Jason Kalainoff, of Clarksville, Iowa, governance and economy planner.
"Although you don't see drastic changes in these areas overnight, Iraq is improving little-by-little each day, and it's rewarding to play some small role in that process," added Kalainoff, who is on his first deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.
"The living conditions are amazing compared to previous deployments," said Sgt. 1st Class James Cookman, Rosebud, Mont., division counter-fire non-commissioned officer.
"We've got sun, sand, palm trees and all the ... ice cream you can eat. It's like a vacation," he joked.
Cookman and others agreed that with the luxuries of having "everything you could possibly need" on the Victory Base Complex come inconveniences such as longer lines and traffic.
"I miss out on my old friends' shenanigans," said Capt. Kevin Ross, economics officer, from Jarrell, Texas. He balanced the complaint with being able to speak to his wife often, which he didn't get to do on his last deployment.
And while the Soldiers don't always enjoy working in an office setting, they said they do enjoy being Rail Gunner representatives.
"It shows the great amount of trust and confidence the brigade has bestowed upon us to represent them here," said Staff Sgt. Kory Ferris, division sensor manager, a native of Windsor, Conn.
Cookman agreed and said, "It's always great when you have the chance to represent the rest of your unit. Since there are so few Rail Gunners here, we get to stand out from the usual shoulder patches on the VBC."
| Date Taken: | 11.26.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 11.26.2008 02:23 |
| Story ID: | 26813 |
| Location: | AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 215 |
This work, Rail Gunners on Victory Base Complex enjoy options, miss friends, by SPC Allison Churchill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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