Let Us Try, Let Us Do, Getting It Done!

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of the 180th Horizontal Construction Company grade dirt at Forward Operating Base Echo in order to prepare the ground for and unmanned aerial vehicle landing strip. The company's innovative construction techniques and attention to detail resulted in an above standard product that facilitated on-demand intelligence gathering capabilities for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.19.2009

Courtesy Story

555th Engineer Brigade

VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, Iraq - On Dec. 18, 2008, the main body of the 180th Horizontal Construction Company, Virginia U.S. Army National Guard, arrived at Camp Stryker to become the newest company under the 54th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade. Without hesitation, the Soldiers of 'Blade' Company quickly got to work.

The 180th replaced the 535th Engineer Support Company, a company that had completed an astonishing amount of construction projects, however, the equipment they used throughout their 15-month deployment had seen more than its share of work.

The first priority for the 180th was to complete needed repairs and maintainence on the construction equipment so the Soldiers could get out and get some work done. Captain Edward Lewis, commander of the 180th Horizontal Construction Company spoke highly of his maintainence section, "Their tireless efforts have been paramount to our mission success."

Once up and running, 180th wasted no time in getting out and getting on job sites. Currently, the 180th is running three horizontal construction projects and has completed an airstrip for coalition forces' unmanned aerial vehicles.

While on Victory Base Complex, the company has also provided support to other elements of the 54th Engineer Battalion, to include grading for a new motor pool and providing equipment and personnel assets for route clearance and sanitation.

Soldiers also took advantage of the training opportunities provided at VBC as well. The Mine Resistant Armor Protected MaxxPro drivers' training, as well as the I-HMEV course, has proven to be beneficial to the unit as they fall on new pieces of equipment that the Soldiers have not used before.

"An engineer Soldier likes to work," said First Sergeant Jerry Bristow, the senior non-commissioned officer-in-charge for Blade Company, "Give us the equipment, give us the right tools, give us a mission and we will get it done."

Both the commander and first sergeant have high praises for their Soldiers, showing both ingenuity and tenacity for the tasks set out for them. "We are doing good things!" exclaimed Capt. Lewis.

As for the living conditions at VBC, the soldiers welcome the amenities provided. Many of the soldiers in the 180th have served in Iraq before, back in 2004, and remember an entirely different living situation. Staff Sergeant Brent Hart remembers the constant mortars and rocket attacks in Mosul. "We also didn't have a Pizza Hut, Burger King, or a Harley dealership for that matter." Many of the soldiers welcome the change of pace this time around.

The 180th also re-enlisted 12 soldiers on Dec. 31, to continue their service to the U.S. Army and the Virginia Army National Guard. Their dedication to service while deployed in combat operations has been an inspiration to others who also are interested in re-enlisting.

• Date Taken: 03.19.2009
• Date Posted: 03.19.2009 02:39
• Story ID: 31314
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ