Photo By Capt. Gina Great | Bravo Battery soldier, Spc. Travis Sams, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd...... read more read more
TARIN KOT, Afghanistan – The Army is more than a job; it’s much more – it’s a lifestyle; this is how Spc. Travis Sams, a Canon, Colo., native who is assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, describes his work.
The specialist is proud of his service in the military in Afghanistan as the subject matter expert for all communications systems in his artillery battery at Forward Operating Base Hadrian. This position is usually filled by a sergeant, so he has had big shoes to fill for his first deployment.
Sams says his biggest challenge during this deployment has been learning how to multi-task between his multiple responsibilities. He is required to stay proficient as a communications specialist and also has been required to learn shell fuze combinations, understand the mechanics of the M777 howitzer and operate as part of a gun crew.
“I credit my skills to my section chief, Staff Sgt. Christopher Johnson, with teaching me everything I needed to know about artillery,” said Sams.
“He has given me insight and knowledge that has made me proficient as gunner for my section in the battery.”
These skills have been noticed and appreciated by his battery commander, Capt. Jonathan Erwin as he conducted daily tasks in their tactical operation center (TOC).
Erwin explained how recently Sams worked an extra two hours on top of an all-night gun-line shift to set up a new communication system in their command center.
“He even ensured I could communicate with my higher command before he went to bed.”
Sams attributes his commander’s praise to his Fire Direction Chief Staff Sgt. James Tedder, whose leadership has allowed the battery to accomplish any mission put in front of them.
“I am proud to have served with Bravo Battery in Afghanistan,” said Sams.
“I am looking forward to telling my wife and friends about this experience and the soldiers who have helped me when I redeploy,” said Sams.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2013 12:52 |
| Story ID: | 108601 |
| Location: | TARIN KOWT, AF |
| Hometown: | CANON, CO, US |
| Hometown: | SAVANNAH, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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