Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ange Desinor | From right, Spc. Richard Inyi, a San Diego native and petroleum supplier with 62nd...... read more read more
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia – He wipes the sweat off his forehead as he walks toward his fuel serving truck to check the levels of the fuel.
He puts on his gloves and eye protection before climbing the truck to do his daily routine.
“I absolutely love my job,” said Spc. Michael Kernan, a Killeen, Texas, native, petroleum supply specialist, of 62nd Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, after gauging the fuel tank, at the National Police Training Academy, Paynesville, Dec. 15.
Kernan’s daily operations consist of the receiving fuel and then tracking its usage for his unit as part of Joint Forces Command – United Assistance in support of Operation United Assistance.
“We record all the initial supply of fuel,” said Kernan. “We take accountability of the fuels and distribute it out around the academy.”
Civilian contractors and the NPTA receive most of the fuel on a daily basis, said Kernan.
“Fuel is very expensive,” said Kernan. “As long as we keep track of the fuel, and the amount of fuel that's on hand, we pretty much keep a positive track on record. Our goal is to not waste or issue out too much fuel. By keeping up with the numbers, we help the Army save money as well.”
Kernan said he had mixed emotions about deploying as part of Operation United Assistance.
“Before coming to Liberia, I was kind of nervous and excited at the same time,” said Kernan. “I've deployed before to Afghanistan, but this mission was pretty new. I thought the mission would've been harsh and challenging.”
The biggest challenge was initially not having his work equipment when he arrived.
“I didn't do my job at first when I got here,” said Kernan. “We were still waiting on our equipment to ship.”
Instead, Kernan and his team helped in dining facility.
“Everyone is here for different reasons,” said Kernan. “We helped the cooks out when we could and we also did [emergency control guard]. We pretty much learned different aspects of other people's missions out here as well.”
Kernan is a reliable Soldier.
Sgt. Lashundra Jackson, a San Augustine, Texas, native, of 62nd Battalion, noncommissioned officer in charge, said Kernan is someone she can always count on.
“Kernan is an outstanding Soldier,” said Jackson. “He's very knowledgeable, trustworthy, and I don't have to supervise him. He is very passionate in what he does.”
Despite the slow start, Kernan said his favorite part of his job is interacting with the Liberians.
“Learning a new culture and how they operate was a plus for me,” said Kernan. “It makes the day go by faster, and I'm having fun as well. I love doing my job. My experience here along with my battles isn't as demanding as I thought it would be. I would say the stress level is not as high as it would if we were in a war zone.”
| Date Taken: | 12.19.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.19.2014 14:14 |
| Story ID: | 150770 |
| Location: | PAYNESVILLE, LR |
| Hometown: | KILLEEN, TX, US |
| Hometown: | SAN AUGUSTINE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 250 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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