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    Born to achieve: DC Guardsmen becomes 'Road Warrior' in 547th

    Born to achieve: DC Guardsmen becomes 'Road Warrior' in 547th

    Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Amo | Pfc. Mackenson Jacques of the 547th Trans. Company pulls on the chain to secure the...... read more read more

    WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

    07.23.2014

    Story by Spc. Jennifer Amo 

    715th Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT BLISS, Texas– Going to annual training for the first time in his Army career, Pfc. Mackenson Jacques, a motor transport operator (88 Mike) for the 547th Transportation Company, is learning valuable skills to take home while he works as part of a team securing items for long haul missions in support of Operation Skyline.

    Jacques is a father of two and lover of science fiction but the only thing that can be seen during this particular day is his work ethic.

    He is responsible for making sure that cargo is secured properly. “Safety is very important because chains can snap like rubber bands, if not properly secured since cargo shifts and causes pressure on long hauls,” said Jacques.

    His concern for his work ties into the ethos of the 88 Mike, who are fondly called ‘road warriors.’

    “In a sense you are driving across the road and transporting cargo from one area to another but most people take it for granted because they don’t realize the mechanics in which the items reach there and how dangerous it is to transport," said Jacques.

    Even though Jacques has a mature, caring and responsible demeanor, Jacques is the new guy of the unit.

    Actions such as immediately checking the situation of his fellow soldiers after hearing the sound of metal falling highlight his internal motivation: selfless service.

    It’s this yearning to serve that pushed him to finally join the military.

    “I figured joining [the National Guard] would be a great way of giving back to my community. Plus, I work for GSA security and many of my fellow employees are prior service and said I would love the service and I do,” said Jacques.

    The spirit of giving back and hard work ties into his family origins. He was born in Haiti and grew up in New York.

    “When I think back about my mom coming here as immigrant working two jobs to provide for my siblings and I. She definitely is my inspiration,” said Jacques.

    The same determination can be seen in Jacques’ entrance into the 547th Trans. Company.

    "He is reliable dedicated and motivated," said Sgt. Josh Pellegrino, Jacques' squad leader.

    "He is motivated because no matter what has happened during the day, he has a positive attitude and is hungry for success in the Army National Guard. The first thing I noticed about him was his maturity. I just had to ask if he was prior service because its rare to see this level of good order and discipline in a soldier straight from advance individual training," he added.

    The average observer can tell how dedicated Jacques is to the mission. When he recounts the story of a nine-hour drive to deliver cots and the subsequent troubles such as the overheating of his vehicle. He doesn’t complain. “I was just glad, I was able to deliver those cots to the guys manning the EITS.”

    He embodies the spirit within the 547th Trans. Company - “That everyone has the capability of being an ideal leader,” said 1st Sgt. Williamson of the 547th Trans. Company.

    “He has been very motivated from the start and even volunteered for a night mission. He has the makings of great leader and that ties in with the ethos of the 547th Trans. Company. because every single soldier is a future leader of tomorrow,” said Williamson.

    When leaving the Logistics Service Center, an image of teamwork and camaraderie fills the air as members of the 547th Trans. Company battle the sun to secure cargo. You can see Jacques eagerly helping his fellow soldiers.

    He has taken Williamson’s words to heart:

    “At the 547th Trans Co., any achievement is possible with hard work.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 07.23.2014
    Date Posted: 07.27.2014 16:07
    Story ID: 137467
    Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US

    Web Views: 301
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN